Real Madrid: 5 key players to watch against Levante

Real Madrid RW Marco Asensio

Real Madrid should give Marco Asensio his first start of the season against Levante. The Spanish international returned to the pitch on Wednesday as a substitute against Real Valladolid, as he was previously recovering from another injury.

Asensio and Vinicius Junior changed the game as second-half substitutes, as Los Blancos shifted to a 4-3-3 in their home opener. It was Vinicius who scrambled to put away the winner after the hour mark, but Asensio’s slick dribbling started the move that led to the goal.

And Asensio provided more moments of magic on the ball as a dribbler, too. He finished the match with a jaw-dropping five dribbles completed in 33 minutes, showing that he still has the agility and skill to get around defenders. Asensio brings even more than technical quality, goals, and vision to the table.

Of course, his goal-scoring threat would be the story against Levante if he starts. Real Madrid need someone who can put away chances more consistently, especially on the wing. Asensio scored thrice in his return from injury last season, meaning he showed that he can be an efficient scorer off the right-hand side with that oh-so-sweet left foot of his.

If Asensio gets his first start at Levante, as he should, then don’t be surprised if he finds the back of the net against a struggling left side of Levante’s defense.