Having just arrived in the national team, Raúl Asencio makes Luis de la Fuente jump: “You are…”

Madrid defender Raúl Asencio has wasted no time making an impression with the Spanish national team. The 22-year-old, who only joined La Roja last Monday, has already captured the attention of head coach Luis de la Fuente. Reports suggest that the coach has been particularly impressed with Asencio’s incredible speed, a quality that has set him apart from other defenders.

At the beginning of the season, Asencio was still playing for Real Madrid’s reserve team. However, his breakthrough into the first team came in November, when Carlo Ancelotti was forced to find a replacement for the injured Éder Militão. Since then, the Malaga-born defender has seized every opportunity, proving his worth in some of the toughest matches. Against top strikers like Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush, and Julián Álvarez, Asencio demonstrated remarkable composure and defensive intelligence, earning him a starting role at Real Madrid.

This meteoric rise did not go unnoticed by Luis de la Fuente. With Spain preparing for the first international break of 2025, the coach made the decision to call up Asencio, recognizing his potential to bolster the national team’s defense. The move was partly influenced by injuries to key defenders, but Asencio’s inclusion was far from a mere contingency plan.

Upon joining the national team camp, Asencio wasted no time in making an impression. In the early training sessions, his speed and agility stood out immediately. It was during one of these sessions that de la Fuente, in awe of his acceleration and responsiveness, made a striking remark to the young defender: “You are even faster in person than you look from the stands, which is saying something.”

This revelation, reported by sources close to the national team, including Defensa Central, highlights just how much Asencio’s physical attributes have captivated his new coach. For the young Madrid defender, such praise from a seasoned coach like de la Fuente is a testament to the hard work he has put into his development.

Asencio’s speed is not just a statistic; it has been a decisive factor in some of Real Madrid’s most crucial moments this season. His ability to track back and recover possession has been a game-changer, particularly in high-stakes encounters. One of the standout examples came during Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie against city rivals Atlético Madrid.

In the second leg at the Metropolitano, Asencio found himself in a footrace against Rodrigo De Paul during a blistering counterattack. Despite starting at a disadvantage, he managed to catch up with the Argentine, executing a perfectly timed interception that prevented a near-certain goal. UEFA’s tracking data later revealed that Asencio had reached a top speed of 35.8 km/h during that sprint, making him the fastest central defender in the competition this season.

This level of athleticism has become one of Asencio’s defining characteristics, alongside his strong mentality. His psychological resilience has even caught the attention of Luis Ripoll, a specialist at FIFA’s Centre of Excellence, who has praised the defender’s capacity to remain composed under pressure.

However, Asencio’s rise has not been without challenges. A recent La Liga match against Villarreal raised concerns when he was forced to leave the pitch due to a minor physical discomfort. Given Real Madrid’s congested fixture schedule, fatigue was a growing issue, but the young defender quickly put those concerns to rest. Upon joining the national team, he showed no signs of lingering problems, delivering top performances in training sessions.

With Spain setting its sights on success in the UEFA Nations League, Asencio’s presence could prove to be a significant boost. His pace allows the team to play a higher defensive line without the risk of being exposed on the counterattack, a crucial tactical asset against elite opponents.

Moreover, his ability to play out from the back aligns perfectly with Spain’s traditional possession-based philosophy. His passing accuracy and confidence on the ball make him a valuable asset in buildup play, ensuring that La Roja can maintain control even under high pressure.

Another factor working in Asencio’s favor is his experience playing alongside some of Spain’s key figures at the club level. Having already developed chemistry with Dani Carvajal and Nacho Fernández at Real Madrid, he is likely to adapt quickly to the national team setup. This familiarity can be instrumental in defensive organization and communication during high-pressure matches.

De la Fuente’s trust in young talents like Asencio signals a new era for the Spanish national team. With established defenders facing injuries or aging out of the squad, fresh faces like Asencio represent the future of Spain’s backline. If his performances for Madrid are anything to go by, he has every chance of cementing a long-term role within La Roja.

Real Madrid fans will be watching closely as their young star embarks on this new chapter in his career. Many believe that his rapid rise is only the beginning of what could be a stellar career at both club and international levels.

For now, Asencio remains focused on proving himself at the highest level. His debut for Spain, whenever it comes, will be a significant milestone. If he continues to build on his current form, there is little doubt that he will become an integral part of Spain’s squad for years to come.

Asencio’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and raw talent. From the Real Madrid reserves to the national team in just a few months, his trajectory is nothing short of extraordinary. Now, with Luis de la Fuente’s confidence behind him, the young defender has the opportunity to make his mark on the international stage.

Whether he starts in Spain’s upcoming fixtures or plays a supporting role, one thing is clear—Raúl Asencio is here to stay. And if his speed and defensive intelligence continue to shine, he may soon be a name that resonates not just in Spain, but across the global footballing landscape.