Real Madrid: 5 burning questions after inexcusable loss to Cadiz

3. Why didn’t Real Madrid start Marco Asensio?

It was frustrating to see Marco Asensio not listed in the starting lineup against Cadiz, especially since Lucas Vazquez was chosen over the in-form right winger. Asensio was crucial against Real Valladolid off the bench and also played very well against Levante. Los Blancos may not have won both games without Asensio on the pitch.

He was also one of the team’s best attacking players in the summer when Real Madrid sealed their 34th La Liga title.

Yet on Matchday 6 of La Liga, Asensio wasn’t on the pitch until the first half He is too good to sit on the bench for Vazquez, because he is the clear first-choice option on the right wing. His sweet left foot gives Real Madrid more goal-scoring from that position than anyone else on the roster, and he does not leave anything on the table in terms of playmaking.

We’re seeing Asensio at his best on the ball. Look no further than his five dribbles completed in 33 minutes off the bench against Real Valladolid. That caliber of a player should have been on the pitch against Cadiz, rested and ready to make a difference – not Vazquez, whose decision-making continues to annoy Madridistas.