Real Madrid players pose on the field before a match with a large red X over the team’s crest.
Yesterday's Real Madrid starting eleven with strikethrough | Camara Didac Aguirre
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From starter to substitute: the big loser with the return of Madrid's injured players

If these players who are injured return in good shape, this key starter for Real Madrid could move to a different role

by

Didac Aguirre

Real Madrid drew yesterday against Al Hilal, leaving a poor impression. One of those who wasn't accurate was Raúl Asencio, who committed a rather absurd penalty.

Alonso even said this after the match about the play: "These are key plays and the first one was avoidable."

A player in a white uniform standing and another in a blue uniform sitting on the grass with his arms raised, both showing gestures of discontent during a match.
Raúl Asencio during yesterday's penalty | Didac Aguirre

Raúl Asencio, who may have his days as a starter numbered at Real Madrid, considering the return of injured players and the new signings.

Raúl Asencio could go from starter to fourth center back and almost no minutes

It's important to remember that Rüdiger and Militao are injured, and when they're at a good level, they're undisputed starters with Real Madrid. It remains to be seen how they return, especially Militao, who has struggled a lot these last two seasons.

If they return at a good level, they're sure to be the two starters if Alonso keeps a back four.

Real Madrid player celebrating effusively during a match
Eder Militao celebrating | Didac Aguirre

This would mean that the recent signing Dean Huijsen would become the first substitute for Antonio and Militao.

Meanwhile, Raúl Asencio would be relegated to fourth center back and, obviously, to far fewer minutes than he's been playing. Only time will tell.

Xabi Alonso spoke about Huijsen after the match

The coach was asked: "How do you assess Trent and Huijsen's debut?"

To which Xabi Alonso replied: "First, congratulations to them, because it's an important day for them; making their debut with Real Madrid will surely mark them. I'm happy because they have that personality and they're going to be important players. Having them with us is going to give us a significant boost in quality."

Afterwards, the Spanish center back from Real Madrid himself was also asked about his debut with the team.

This is what Dean Huijsen said: "I think I did well. I think we were the better team of the two and we could've won. We'll keep working on having the ball and the chances will come."

First, let's hope that both Rüdiger and Militao return in the best possible way, and then that whoever performs best plays. Above all, it's important that it's the best for Real Madrid to win as many matches as possible.

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