Real Madrid’s right flank has become a problem area in the lineup. When fit, Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior have been the natural choice for the center-forward and the left-wing positions. But, unlike these two positions on the attacking trident, the right still doesn’t have a first-choice candidate.
Marco Asensio seems to be the most favored option for Carlo Ancelotti. But, it cannot be denied that he lacks defensive awareness and does little to no work in helping the team’s progressive play. He only excels in scoring goals and is undoubtedly one of the best distance shooters currently in world football.
Rodrygo Goes, the young Brazilian seemed like one for the future and arguably the best possible option to start on the right for Real Madrid. But, his recent performances have compelled me to think otherwise. Gareth Bale is an undenied starter whenever fit, he showed glimpses of the Bale that we love in that number 9’s position against Villarreal at a challenging venue, La Ceramica.
There is one possible right-winger away on loan at AC Milan, and he is Brahim Diaz. His game has seen some positional shifts, the Italian outfit is keener on having him play as an attacking midfielder rather than a winger. But, he has popped up in shooting positions and has shown that he is well equipped at playing as a winger as well.
Sell: Marco Asensio
Now comes the fun part, if I had total control over these players’ futures in terms of a pick each in the Loan, Keep, and Sell departments, I’d probably start with selling Marco Asensio.
Marco Asensio is just 26 years old and his best playing days are still ahead of him. He made an inspiring comeback from a career-ending injury but hasn’t looked like his vintage self. The problem with him staying back is that he’d end up being a choice lower down the pecking order if Real Madrid makes big signings in the upcoming transfer window, which they likely will given the well-exposed voids in the squad.
Asensio has long relied on the super-sub status but that should see an end soon. That would be beneficial for the Spaniard. For all his hard work, he deserves to be the starter for a club. There are two ways of looking at it, either Asensio continues being a bench player in a big club or he goes on to be the starter for a lesser demanding side that plays European football, at least. In my opinion, the second looks to be a better pick for a player any day. Asensio can still produce magic out of nowhere, this season is full of similar moments and there would be clubs willing to give him a contract. So, sell Asensio.