The big problem of Raul Asencio (22 years old) in defence that annoys Carlo Ancelotti

When Raul Asencio was promoted to Real Madrid’s senior squad last November, not many fans expected him to become a regular starter so quickly. However, the 22-year-old defender has done just that, earning a place in the heart of Los Blancos’ defence in a season riddled with injuries and inconsistency.

Asencio’s rise has been meteoric. Coming from Las Palmas and progressing through Real Madrid’s Castilla team, he’s made the most of the opportunities handed to him, especially with Eder Militao sidelined for the long term and David Alaba still struggling for form and fitness. In many ways, the youngster’s performances have been a breath of fresh air—quick across the turf, intelligent in duels, and always ready to throw himself into the action.

But with great responsibility comes great scrutiny. And now, as the business end of the season unfolds, some of the cracks in Asencio’s game have started to show—and Carlo Ancelotti is beginning to grow concerned.

In the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal, Real Madrid managed to escape with a draw, but not without some defensive fragility on display. In particular, Raul Asencio’s positioning left much to be desired. While he was aggressive and eager to win back possession, his tendency to chase the ball and lose positional discipline opened dangerous spaces that Arsenal tried to exploit.

This wasn’t the first time Asencio’s inexperience cost Real Madrid. In the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad, the Basques’ opening goal came from a sequence where Asencio abandoned his central post to press high into midfield. That decision, while brave, left a huge gap behind him—one that Lucas Vázquez couldn’t cover in time. Ancelotti, visibly frustrated, made no effort to hide his disappointment during the post-match briefing.

Footage from that game, circulated by Spanish outlet El Desmarque, captured the moment Asencio broke rank. Though fans initially blamed Vazquez for failing to track back in time, the coaching staff saw the real problem much earlier in the buildup—Asencio’s rash advance. And it’s a pattern that keeps repeating.

Against Arsenal, the same mistakes resurfaced. Asencio’s man-marking instincts took over, and instead of holding the defensive line, he was seen tracking midfielders well outside his zone. Each time he moved too high or too wide, Real Madrid were forced to scramble at the back, with Antonio Rüdiger often left isolated and overwhelmed.

The German veteran has carried much of the defensive burden this season, and fatigue is clearly setting in. While Rüdiger is known for his leadership and aerial dominance, he needs a steady and disciplined partner beside him—something Asencio hasn’t quite mastered yet.

And yet, it’s hard to ignore Asencio’s potential. Technically sound and physically imposing, he has the tools to become a top-class centre-back. What he lacks is experience—and the ability to read the game in tight moments. Those are qualities that can only come with time and consistency at the highest level.

Unfortunately, Real Madrid’s calendar doesn’t offer much room for trial and error. With a packed fixture list including La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey, Ancelotti must rely on his defenders to make the right decisions under pressure. Every mistake can prove costly—and in Europe, there’s no margin for error.

It doesn’t help that Spain’s national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, chose to leave Asencio out of the latest international squad, opting instead for 19-year-old Dean Huijsen. Despite being younger, Huijsen has more first-team experience across clubs like Juventus, Roma, and Bournemouth. For Asencio, that snub could serve as a wake-up call.

Still, there’s an argument to be made for Asencio’s importance in this Real Madrid team. With Militao still months away from full fitness and Alaba’s situation uncertain, the youngster fills a crucial role in Ancelotti’s squad. Despite his flaws, his presence often brings energy and confidence to the backline.

Moreover, the coaching staff has been working closely with Asencio on his positioning during training sessions. Ancelotti is aware that talent alone won’t carry the defender through the elite level—tactical maturity is essential.

As the season progresses, Real Madrid fans will be hoping that Asencio can iron out his flaws and continue to develop into the dependable centre-back the team desperately needs. There’s no doubt he has the hunger and the heart. What remains is the refinement.

For now, Ancelotti must accept the growing pains. Asencio is not the finished product, but with the right guidance and consistent minutes, he could evolve into one of Europe’s best defenders. It’s a gamble worth taking—though not without risks.

Because if he doesn’t learn fast, Real Madrid’s season could hinge on the errors of youth.