Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine in a huge match against Villarreal

RW Marco Asensio

Another player with zero goal contributions this season, Marco Asensio is on the hot seat. He needs to prove he should still be starting for Real Madrid in 2020-2021, because Zinedine Zidane could just as easily roll with Martin Odegaard or Rodrygo Goes on the right side. Even Isco could offer more of an attacking threat than Asensio right now, though Isco on the right is not an ideal solution for Los Blancos.

Asensio is also on the hot seat beyond 2020-2021. This season is a make-or-break year for the attacking midfielder, who has been thrust into this role as the starting right winger since he is a left-footed player with a scorching shot.

Unfortunately, we haven’t seen a scorching shot from Asensio. And when he has been able to get into scoring positions, he has squandered every single chance that has come his way. There have been bright moments this season for Asensio, such as his substitute appearance against Real Valladolid, but those have been few and far between. For the most part, Asensio has been incredibly frustrating to watch.

Over the summer, Asensio scored three goals and was crucial to Real Madrid winning the title. Los Blancos need to see that Asensio on Saturday at Villarreal against Alfonso Pedraza, who is averaging 2.2 interceptions per game and has quietly emerged as one of the league’s better left backs this season.