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.
Loan: Rodrygo Goes
I’d loan out Rodrygo Goes. The reason is simple, he needs a lot more refining. Rodrygo has the skills, the pace, a fierce shot, and good finishing abilities. But, all of these said qualities need further polishing. A loan move to another Champions League side should be the best option for Rodrygo Goes.
Moreover, Rodrygo’s favored position is left-wing and that is one position that Rodrygo will have very little chance of featuring at Real Madrid given the domination Vinicius Jr. has shown on the left flank. Moreover, Real Madrid never is the best place for the development of a young player, it can be the best place for any young player to burst out as a Superstar but for development, a lesser demanding side almost always is a better bet.
Probably that is what Rodrygo Goes needs in his Real Madrid career right now, a move away from Real Madrid to find himself rather than being burdened by the huge demands of this competitive club. The result is in front of you, he has even lost his starting position to someone like Marco Asensio who is playing for his contract extension and is finding decisive plays from time to time.
At the same time, Rodrygo burst into a spell of good form and then bottles the next opportunity that comes at him. He needs to step away from the pressure and find his natural football. He is a promising prospect for the future. So, loan him out.
Keep: Brahim Diaz
Again, if I had complete control of these calls, I am very content with the player I’d like to keep in the Bernabeu or rather bring back to the Bernabeu and that is Brahim Diaz. In my opinion, Diaz has everything that a good starter at the right-wing for Real Madrid should have. He can be the best possible option in the circumstances to round off the attacking trident that would have him alongside Vinicius Jr. and Karim Benzema.
Diaz is a rare playmaker whose creative abilities were brought to the forefront in his first spell with AC Milan. Even before that, his creative abilities were present in glimpses while playing in the Spanish Capital donning that number 21 shirt that belongs to Rodrygo now. Diaz has a characteristic ability to draw in defenders, he wins a lot of fouls WhoScored says the average has been 1.3 per game this season.
His dribbling skills are again a prime highlight of his game, he has got very precise close control of the ball and he is capable of creating moments of magic once in a while. With Benzema playing to his left, I think his creative abilities will come in handier and it’d make the right flank a much more active part of Real Madrid’s formation.
He can draw defenders, never shies away from a duel, has an exceptional strength to hold off challenges, loves to take on players, and can work some magic with quick one-twos when the correct player is available in support. It could be very similar to the partnership Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema are having on the left.
Just imagine if an equivalent partnership was available on the right too. That would be my Real Madrid of dreams at the present moment. I wish these calls could become reality. But, with Kylian Mbappe set to join in the summer I don’t think Diaz would be called back so soon. Nonetheless, he is the best option in the current circumstances and at least makes the most sense for this pick.