Real Madrid Transfers: Playing keep or sell with every winger

RW Marco Asensio

With 2,608 minutes played, Marco Asensio logged more minutes than any other right winger in the 2020-2021 season across all competitions. Yet he had very little production to show for it. Asensio was tied for second on the team in goals, but that stat looks far less impressive when you realize he scored just seven times. Four of those goals were in four straight matches, and then Asensio could not keep up that form.

On top of that, Asensio wasn’t really creating for his teammates. He had just two assists and was eighth in both shot-creating and goal-creating actions per 90 minutes.

Asensio is one of the most technically prolific players in Spain when looking at his first touch and control, but he doesn’t have the skill or athleticism to challenge defenders one-on-one and make things happen in tight spaces like Eden Hazard, Vinicius Junior, or even Rodrygo Goes. The fact that he’s not creating chances outside of crosses is hugely concerning.

But if we’re being honest, right winger isn’t Asensio’s true position. He’s more of an attacking midfielder in, say, an Antonio Conte-type set up with two midfielders who push high up the pitch. He is a niche player who is playing a role that suits a Galactico.

Real Madrid have high ambitions, and they need to aim higher than Asensio when it comes to their starting right winger. They don’t HAVE to sell him, but it might be in their best interests to put out some feelers. Like with Hazard, though, it will be tough for them to find someone willing to make a good offer, but that might not change in the future.

Verdict: Sell