Real Madrid attacking talent Marco Asensio has put his club on the edge of their seat with his response. Here’s a look at what he had to say and what this could mean.
Marco Asensio has put Real Madrid on notice with some vague responses when asked about his future with his current club. Asensio is currently with the Spanish National team in Russia taking part in the 2018 World Cup. Spain has advanced to the Round of 16, but Asensio has played a very little part in that.
This World Cup, Marco has made just two appearances, for a total of 27 minutes of playing time. Though he is 22 years old it’s surprising a man of his talents is not being utilized more.
Spain have had to deal with a 'weird situation' but Marco Asensio believes they're in a good place going into the last 16! pic.twitter.com/yYJFtHIQgk
— GOAL (@goal) June 27, 2018
"When the World Cup is over, we’ll talk about that sort of thing, now I’m focused on selection."
Unfortunately for the young prospect, the same storyline carries into his club career as well. Last season under Zinedine Zidane, Asensio racked up 2, 864 minutes in all competitions. While that may seem like a lot that puts him in 13th place in minutes played, meaning he was left out of the starting XI a fair amount.
Of his 53 appearances with Real Madrid last season, 23 of them had him coming off the bench. Being a substitute for half the season will not help Marco Asensio grow as a player and as a result could see the Spaniard head out of the capital.
When asked about Liverpool’s interest in signing him, Asensio said he is “focused on selection”. Not the reassuring response that Real Madrid would have hoped to hear. Last September though, Asensio signed a contract extension with the club. The six-year deal has a £442million release claused attached to him.
Next: Raphael Varane leads France to Round of 16
"I’m glad Julen has signed up for Real Madrid, after the World Cup we’ll talk things over with him."
Asensio did point out that he will hold talks with new Manager Julen Lopetegui to discuss his position in the squad. Marco seems to be happy with the new manager and that in of itself is a great positive. Lopetegui was the coach of the Spanish national team and of Asensio when he was with the U-21 team so he will have a better understanding of Marco’s anxiousness.
Let’s hope Marco does stay with Los Blancos, in short spurts of playing time he’s shown what he is capable of. One could only imagine the damage he could inflict if he is given more opportunity. Asensio has been a great return on an investment and definitely not the player you want to see wearing another kit five years down the road.