Asensio, inexplicable headline

Asensio is there and, at the same time, he is expected. Leaving aside the Cup match against Alcoyano, The Balearic Islands have been a consecutive starter in the last 13 Real Madrid games, whether in the League, Champions League or Super Cup. His numbers, however, are far from what is expected of a player with the talent and offensive potential that the Mallorcan treasures. With Madrid experiencing a severe scoring drought (they have not scored more than one goal in any of the last four games and the team's scoring average is the worst in the 21st century), Asensio has only contributed two goals and an assist. The same goals as two defenders like Mendy and Varane and the same participation as a defensive midfielder like Casemiro (also two goals and one assist).

Zidane ended up finding a hole for Asensio, either on the left in the absence of Hazard or on the right when the losses in defenses caused the coach to delay Lucas Vázquez's position again. Before this streak, the Spaniard had only started in a third (7) of the first 21 games of the season. In that presence, intermittently and sometimes in a trickle, he only provided an assist, against Granada on December 23 when he replaced Rodrygo after the Brazilian's injury. The setback of the paulista and the goal pass that Marco gave to Casemiro, opened the eyes of Zizou.

The Spaniard soon reciprocated his coach's confidence with a goal and an assist for Lucas Vázquez in the first game of 2021, against Celta at the Di Stéfano. Since then, in 11 games he has only contributed one goal (ultimately inconsequential) against Levante.

Little daring and less aim. Since his goal against the granotas he has only shot twice on goal, both in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Atalanta and has not put any of the six goalkeepers he has faced in the league to the test. An attempt against Valencia went wide and six more shots have been rejected by rival defense. Nine shots in six games. A little baggage for a player called to be decisive and who needs to gather credentials to face the increased competition that lies ahead with Rodrygo already recovered and the return of Hazard ever closer.