Real Madrid need Marco Asensio to keep on scoring

Real Madrid have looked like a completely different team in recent weeks, and that’s thanks to the emergence of Marco Asensio and Vinicius Junior on the scoresheet. Coming into this season, we knew Madrid would need their wide forwards to step up. Asensio was counted on to take another step forward after a positive summer, while Vinicius and Rodrygo Goes were pinpointed as youngsters in need of trust and breakout performances.

For most of the season, Vini and Asensio have both struggled in front of goal, with the latter’s inconsistencies being of particular frustration to Madridistas. At 20, Vini’s ills in front of goal can be forgiven, but the 25-year-old Asensio is supposed to count technique and shooting as strengths.

Finally, in the last four matches, we have seen these strengths come to the fore. After getting some much-needed rest and protection by being out of the 90 minutes entirely against Elche, Asensio scored off the bench to seal a 3-1 win over Atalanta. He did the same the following weekend against Celta Vigo. And then Asensio scored in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Eibar and once more in the first half of yet another 3-1 win, this time vs. Liverpool.

So Asensio is on quite the hot streak heading into El Clasico. He is scoring in all competitions against different types of opponents and showing the cool head in front of goal that he was missing earlier this season. None of Asensio’s goals have been spectacular, which is fine. We already know he is capable of the spectacular, particularly in the Champions League. But what Madridistas needed to see from Asensio was consistency in situations where he is expected to score goals.

Marco Asensio can help Real Madrid fulfill their fullest potential before the season closes

Now, Asensio did make some mistakes against Liverpool in the second half, but I think we can chalk that up to tired legs more than anything. Technique and concentration on shots tend to suffer when a player is fatigued.

Therefore, it becomes essential for Zinedine Zidane to manage the minutes of his only left-footed forward. Asensio is needed. Real Madrid require a player like Asensio who can be a secondary scorer to relieve pressure off Karim Benzema, and the recent play of Asensio and Vini has been key for that reason. Against Liverpool, Benzema was able to focus more on his all-around game than just scoring, and Asensio and Vini reaped the rewards in a dominant win.

Real Madrid are a much better team when Asensio is playing to his potential. If they are to fulfill their potential and win La Liga again while also challenging for the title in Zidane’s signature competition, the Champions League, then they will need Asensio to keep scoring goals. Real have been missing end product over the past couple of seasons, and Asensio can help fill that void. He cannot do it all on his own, but in concert with someone else, such as Sergio Ramos this past summer and potentially Vini this spring,  he can fulfill this crucial role for Los Merengues.