Raúl Asensio's drama: his new spot on Xabi Alonso's center-back list

After the match against Paris Saint-Germain, Raúl Asencio went on Instagram to apologize to the Madridist fans. In the statement, the center-back admitted he "wasn't up to the task."

Raúl Asencio arrived at the intercontinental competition in his best form and with flawless performance, but the first setbacks soon came, relegating him to the bench. He started out partnering with Dean Huijsen, but his teammate's level overshadowed the Canary Islander. In addition, his serious mistake against Al-Hilal and the red card against Pachuca ultimately sealed his fate.

However, Dean Huijsen's sending off against Borussia Dortmund reopened the door for him, but he quickly made another serious mistake. The defender was exposed again, gifting the first goal with a poor touch that led to a turnover. Ousmane Dembélé appeared there, passed to Fabián Ruiz, and he didn't miss to open the scoring.

Raúl Asencio's message after his poor Club World Cup

"Madridists, a season comes to an end in which I've fulfilled the dream of being part of the best club in the world, but it ended in the way I least desired. I feel I wasn't up to the task in a Club World Cup that demanded the most, but now it's time to disconnect and recharge," he said.

"I wish you all a happy holiday, now and always. Hala Madrid. Counting the days to return to Bernabéu," Raúl Asencio concluded in his post.

Where does Raúl Asencio stand for Xabi Alonso?

According to "Defensa Central," the Club World Cup has clearly taken a toll on Raúl Asencio. The Canary Islander from Real Madrid, who started the tournament as a starter, has dropped in Xabi Alonso's pecking order.

Currently, Raúl Asencio is behind Dean Huijsen, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militao, or David Alaba. However, the Canary Islander could take advantage of some of his teammates' injuries to get some minutes.

Raúl Asencio made a strong entrance into Real Madrid's first team, but he has gradually faded after his latest performances. With Xabi Alonso, the player hopes to keep growing, although he will have to keep working to earn his place in the starting eleven again.