Real Madrid La Fabrica starlet emerges as an option for fourth CB role

Real Madrid are set to get their pre-season tour in the United States underway later this week against AC Milan in Chicago. All is not well in Carlo Ancelotti’s camp, however, ahead of the tour.

With Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger as the only fit centre-backs, the Italian manager faces a serious shortage of resources in defence. Even in the bigger picture, only David Alaba remains a realistic option as a natural centre-back.

Chance for the youngsters

With Nacho Fernandez no longer at the club, Real Madrid have a void in the department that they hoped to fill with Leny Yoro.

The youngster’s decision to sign for Manchester United leaves Los Blancos in a strange situation. They do not see many backup options on the market worth splashing the cash on, and promoting a homegrown name is now a serious option.

As revealed by Mundo Deportivo, young Raul Asencio of La Fabrica is well-placed to serve as Real Madrid’s fourth-choice centre-back for the upcoming campaign.

He has travelled with the team to the US and his performances in the coming weeks can seal his spot. Notably, Girona are interested in his signing as well but his preference is to stay with the first team.

Asencio served as the Castilla setup’s pillar in defence last season, amassing over 1550 minutes and participating in over 85% of the team’s minutes.

He is particularly known for his dominant physique, agility, physical prowess and leadership at the back. The coming weeks, needless to say, will be his golden chance to shine.

Jacobo Ramon is another young talent from the academy who has a good chance of making it big and earning the privilege of serving as the fourth centre-back. His chances, however, are slim compared to Asencio.