Raúl Asencio has become one of the key players in the team and Luis de la Fuente has decided to call him up in the squad for the National League quarter finals against the Netherlands; his choice confirms the impressive growth of this player, at the same time as making him a very important asset for the Spanish national team in the future.
Asencio, a deserved call-up
The level of play shown by Asencio at Real Madrid has been stratospheric. Since becoming a starter, following the injury to Militao, the promising defender has shown good maturity, good solidity and good footballing sense in every game he has played. He has played 39 games this season, accumulating 2,790 minutes and providing two assists. These figures not only show his good work at the back for the Whites, but also demonstrate his ability to get involved in building up the play.
Luis de la Fuente had already hinted at the opportunity of his call-up, saying that “all good players have a chance of going”. So the fact that his name appears on the list to be announced next Friday means, in a way, that his performance has not gone unnoticed by the national team’s coaching staff.
Reasons for Asencio’s call-up
There are several reasons why Raúl Asencio received the call from the national coach for the squad to face the Netherlands:
- Performance: His ability to adapt to the first team has been outstanding, showing solidity and confidence.
- Physical condition: He has the ability to play every three days without showing signs of fatigue or risk of injury.
- Mental attitude: His ability to maintain concentration at important moments is a determining factor that opened De la Fuente’s eyes.
- Tactical adaptation: His record allows him to play in different defensive systems without losing effectiveness. This is crucial for a coach, who requires defenders with different adaptabilities of playing styles.
- Shortage of central defenders with his profile: Spain lacks young defenders with the combination of physical characteristics, experience and good records in the area of potential in central defenders. This shortage is enough to put him in a quick photo for adding a point of freshness, as well as providing the character of security in the rearguard.
Asencio, key to the future of the Spanish national team
His inclusion in the squad list highlights his great form. He is reaffirming himself as a future fundamental piece for the defense of the Spanish national team over time. His prodigious growth at Real Madrid culminates in his call-up and stands as the first step in what promises to be an international career. Luis de la Fuente is trying to create a good group for the upcoming competitions.
The call-up to the national team for Asencio is a sign that Luis de la Fuente is committing to young talent; if he keeps up his form he will not only be included in the current squad, he could become a regular in the national team. Asencio’s growth is a story of effort, talent and decision; his future is bright both with Real Madrid and with the Spanish national team, where he could very probably become a decisive figure in the near future.