Doctor Pedro Luis Ripoll drops big news about Raul Asensio: “He’s not…”

A real sensation over the past few months in Spain, Raul Asensio is having an extraordinary debut season at Real Madrid. As concerns grow over the toll of back-to-back matches on the 22-year-old, renowned sports doctor Pedro Luis Ripoll has shared revealing insights into the young defender’s physical and mental attributes.

Initially a reserve player, Asensio’s meteoric rise began when he stepped in for the injured Eder Militao, who suffered a season-ending cruciate ligament rupture. The Spanish center-back made his professional debut in November, instantly grabbing attention with an assist for Jude Bellingham’s opening goal. Since then, he has cemented his place as a reliable presence in Madrid’s defensive line.

Asensio’s Remarkable Breakthrough

Despite being benched initially by Carlo Ancelotti, Asensio remained focused and soon forced his way into the starting eleven. He capitalized on David Alaba’s struggles, seizing the opportunity to showcase his defensive prowess. The Spanish media, particularly Marca, has taken notice of his rapid evolution and resilience.

Thriving under the relentless pressure of Real Madrid’s demanding schedule, Asensio has adapted seamlessly. Between August and November, he played 11 matches for Castilla over 71 days. Since his promotion to the first team, he has appeared in 19 matches in just 65 days—a game every 3.4 days. At Valdebebas, staff and players alike are amazed by his composure and maturity.

Doctor Ripoll’s Revelations on Asensio’s Physical Abilities

Pedro Luis Ripoll, director of the FIFA-accredited Ripoll y De Prado Clinic, has closely analyzed Asensio’s physical endurance and believes the young defender is an anomaly in modern football.

“He has a gifted physique that allows him to perform at the highest level. Playing matches every three days without showing signs of fatigue is rare,” Ripoll remarked.

According to Ripoll, Asensio’s well-balanced musculature and natural ability to recover quickly set him apart. He neither carries excessive muscle mass nor is prone to physical overload, making him perfectly suited to withstand the intensity of Real Madrid’s fixture-packed calendar.

“Asensio absorbs the physical impact of matches exceptionally well and recovers efficiently, allowing him to handle sustained effort over long periods—an essential trait for players at elite clubs like Real Madrid.”

A Psychological Fortress in Defense

Beyond his physical attributes, Ripoll also praised Asensio’s mental strength, which he considers the young defender’s most impressive trait.

“Mentally, he’s extraordinary. He maintains an unwavering level of concentration and remains unshaken by pressure,” Ripoll observed.

Many young players struggle to establish themselves at the highest level, especially in critical defensive roles, but Asensio has proven to be an exception. His ability to absorb pressure naturally and thrive in a high-stakes environment sets him apart.

“What stands out most is how effortlessly he has adapted to the pressure of playing, not just for Real Madrid, but in a pivotal defensive position that demands individual responsibility. The club had significant defensive vulnerabilities before his emergence, yet he has managed to excel without showing signs of stress or fatigue,” Ripoll added.

A Rare Gem for Real Madrid

Ripoll compared Asensio’s case to past players who struggled under the weight of high expectations, noting that some have physically collapsed due to the stress of elite football. However, Asensio’s ability to remain unaffected is what makes him a unique asset to Los Blancos.

“Asensio’s mental resilience ensures he remains composed in the most intense situations. This quality, coupled with his physical endurance, makes him a rare talent,” Ripoll concluded.

The young Spaniard’s meteoric rise is a blessing for Real Madrid, who have been searching for defensive stability. As the season progresses, fans and pundits alike will be eager to see if he continues his impressive trajectory, potentially establishing himself as a cornerstone of Madrid’s defense for years to come.