Real Madrid: 5 burning questions from a 1-3 win over Eibar

How did Marco Asensio look off the bench?

Marco Asensio’s had something of a nightmare season to this point for Real Madrid, and it’s getting to the point where the forming darling of the fanbase has become a frequent target of scorn from Madridistas.

The Andalusian winger has zero goal contributions this season. Asensio did not start on Matchday 14, as Rodrygo Goes was wisely preferred to the left-footed Asensio on the left.

Asensio can play on the left side and is a good crosser, so we got to see him at the position for the final 20 minutes of the win. He did absolutely nothing of note and was flagged offsides for not getting back in time.

To be honest, even in 20 minutes, I saw enough to say that Asensio should be the lowest in the pecking order among the wide forwards. Eden Hazard, Rodrygo, and Lucas Vazquez have all been much better than Asensio this season. Vinicius offers more effort, upside, and production. And if Isco isn’t sold, I’m honestly not sure Asensio is outplaying him either.

I want Asensio to succeed, but Zidane cannot wait forever for him to find his form. Right now, he is playing at a standard well below the Real Madrid level in just about everything he does. There are too few positives to take away from each of his appearances since October.