Raúl Asensio: Carlo Ancelotti’s Big Headache After the 3-2 Win Against Man City

Raúl Asensio has emerged as the latest sensation at Real Madrid following his stellar performance against Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League play-offs. The young Spanish defender has gone from being a relatively unknown prospect to a crucial figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s setup. His rapid rise has not only surprised fans but has also created a dilemma for the Italian coach, who now faces a tough decision regarding his defensive hierarchy.

Joining Real Madrid’s first team in November, Asensio wasted no time in making an impact. His pace, defensive awareness, and composure under pressure make him an elite defender in the making. At just 22 years old—celebrating his birthday on February 13—he has displayed maturity beyond his years, standing out as Madrid’s fastest and arguably most reliable centre-back. His ability to neutralize top-class attackers, as seen against Manchester City, has only fueled discussions about his place in the starting XI.

With his standout performances, Asensio has won over fans, pundits, and even some of his more experienced teammates. His composure in high-pressure moments, combined with his ability to read the game and intercept crucial passes, makes him an asset Madrid cannot afford to overlook. But with established stars like David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and Éder Militão returning from injuries, Ancelotti is now left with an unenviable selection headache.

What Choice for Ancelotti?

At the moment, Carlo Ancelotti has some breathing room in his decision-making process. David Alaba is still recovering from a long-term injury, which allows him to pair Asensio with Antonio Rüdiger in crucial matches. This pairing seems like the logical choice given their form and fitness levels. In less demanding fixtures, Ancelotti could rotate his backline, ensuring that all his defenders get adequate playing time.

However, this situation won’t last forever. By the end of the season, Éder Militão is expected to return to full fitness. Given Ancelotti’s strong trust in the Brazilian defender, there is a real possibility that Asensio could find himself pushed down the pecking order. This scenario has sparked debates among Madridistas, with some arguing that the young Spaniard has already proven himself worthy of a permanent starting spot.

The Risk of Losing a Defensive Gem

Ancelotti’s handling of Asensio’s situation will be crucial in determining the defender’s long-term future at Real Madrid. If he finds himself regularly benched despite his impressive form, frustration could set in. Madrid have already lost several promising young defenders in recent years due to lack of opportunities, and they will be keen to avoid another scenario where a potential future star departs prematurely.

Adding to the complexity is the fact that Asensio’s performances have not gone unnoticed across Europe. Several top clubs are already monitoring his situation, knowing that if Madrid fails to integrate him into their long-term plans, they could swoop in. Ancelotti must therefore be careful in balancing his squad while ensuring Asensio remains motivated and committed to the club’s vision.

Is Alaba the One to Make Way?

Looking at the current contracts of Madrid’s defenders, David Alaba appears to be the most vulnerable to being replaced. At 32 years old, the Austrian has had his fair share of injury troubles, missing a significant chunk of the season. His contract runs until June 2026, but with his recent setbacks, there is growing uncertainty over his long-term future at the club.

Unlike Rüdiger and Militão, who remain key figures in Madrid’s defensive plans, Alaba’s importance has diminished due to his prolonged absences. He is no longer the automatic starter he once was, and with Asensio’s emergence, his future in Madrid is far from guaranteed. If the young Spaniard continues his current trajectory, Alaba could be the one sacrificed to make room for the new generation.

A New Defensive Era at Madrid?

Real Madrid have always been a club that values experience, but they also recognize when it’s time to usher in a new era. The likes of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane were once undroppable, yet Madrid moved on from them when the time was right. Now, the club may be approaching a similar crossroads with Alaba and Asensio.

The idea of Madrid building their defense around Asensio, Militão, and Rüdiger is growing stronger. This trio could provide the perfect balance of youth, experience, and athleticism. Meanwhile, Madrid continue to be linked with potential defensive reinforcements like William Saliba, raising further questions about Alaba’s long-term prospects at the club.

The Carlo Ancelotti Dilemma

For Ancelotti, managing this transition won’t be easy. Loyalty and experience are important factors in his decision-making process, but performances on the pitch cannot be ignored. The Italian manager has always valued defensive solidity, and Asensio has demonstrated that he can deliver at the highest level.

The key question now is whether Ancelotti is willing to disrupt the old guard and fully integrate Asensio as a starting centre-back. If he opts to ease Asensio into the role gradually, it could work in the short term. However, if he hesitates too much, he risks unsettling the young defender, who could seek assurances about his role at the club.

The Verdict: Madrid’s Defensive Future

As things stand, Raúl Asensio is positioning himself as the future of Real Madrid’s defense. His pace, strength, and intelligence make him a rare gem that Madrid must handle with care. If the club truly believes in his potential, they must ensure he gets the game time needed to develop into a world-class defender.

The coming months will be crucial in determining how this saga unfolds. Ancelotti’s selection choices will reveal whether he sees Asensio as a long-term starter or merely a temporary fix. With high-profile matches ahead, all eyes will be on how Madrid’s backline shapes up.

Regardless of what happens, one thing is clear—Raúl Asensio has made a statement, and ignoring his impact would be a mistake. Madrid may have found their next defensive leader, and if handled correctly, he could become a cornerstone of their success for years to come.