Real Madrid have a lot of fitness issues right now, which is one of the biggest reasons behind their shaky form this season. Centre-back is one area where they are particularly short on options. That has allowed fresh faces to get into the first-team fold though and Raul Asencio is someone who is enjoying an unexpected run as a starter in Carlo Ancelotti's side.
Over the years, [Real Madrid](https://therealchamps.com/real-madrid-plot-50m-bid-manchester-united-player) have had a tough time bringing through their academy standouts. But the unavailability of others has opened up an opportunity for Asencio that he would not have seen coming even a few weeks back.
Asencio has not looked out of place either, especially at the La Liga level. He has helped Real Madrid keep three consecutive clean sheets in the league.
Asencio has been highly-rated for a while though. In fact, if things had gone a bit differently, he might not even have been at Real Madrid at this point to fill the void at centre-back.
As reported by [AS](https://as.com/futbol/primera/asencio-en-su-cabeza-solo-esta-el-madrid-n/), Asencio rejected an offer from City Group in the summer due to his desire to remain at Real Madrid. They offered €6 million for his signing, with the idea of taking him to Michel's Girona.
Thankfully, Asencio did not end up leaving Real Madrid in the summer. He looks like a player who could develop into an important part of this team.
Asencio's rise is also a reminder for Real Madrid that they already have a ton of talent at the club just waiting to get their chance. Of course, it is not easy to do when the expectation is to win every game you take part in. But the club can surely do better in this regard. Just look at FC Barcelona's recent record.