Real Madrid defensive target hails rising star – ‘He has a great level’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s defensive crisis was always coming given how the administration handled the summer transfer window last time around.

Without having the then top-priority target Leny Yoro in hand, they rushed into the departure of Nacho Fernandez and did not put pressure on the former captain to stay.

That, alongside the decision to sell some big academy talents like Rafa Marin eventually backfired and left the manager struggling after Eder Militao’s season-ending injury.

Amidst the team’s struggles, however, Raul Asencio came as a ray of light and brought stability when the team needed it the most.

Asencio’s former teammate showers praise

Speaking to the media recently, Lazio defender and former Real Madrid player Mario Gila spoke about Asencio’s rise to prominence and only had words of praise for his former teammate.

Mario Gila has praised Raul Asencio. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Raul Asencio showed that he has a great level and I am happy for him because he took advantage of this situation,” he said (h/t Madrid Xtra).

After all, Gila, currently linked with potential return, is a product of the Real Madrid academy and was in the lower ranks of the Spanish capital until 2022, when he moved to Lazio.

As a player who has been through thick and thin with Asencio in the past, he is undoubtedly the right person to validate the youngster’s rise to prominence.

Despite Asencio impressing in his chances, however, Carlo Ancelotti has preferred to use Aurelien Tchouameni as a backup center-back over him in recent games.

The coach’s decision may well be down to his preference of experienced names over academy graduates but is undoubtedly harsh on the Castilla star who did no wrong.

Heading into the next phase of the season, Asencio has reason to look forward to more action as the schedule only gets more grueling with the addition of the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.