Marco Asensio was once touted as one of Europe's most exciting and valuable young players - here's why
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Marco Asensio
Marco Asensio has had a glittering career before moving to Villa Park.(Image: Getty Images)
Marco Asensio has had no issue swapping Paris for Birmingham, already becoming key to Aston Villa's uptick in form since he arrived on loan.
The Spaniard's arrival from PSG rubberstamped the dizzying heights of success Villa are currently experiencing under Unai Emery with this calibre of signing deemed impossible just a couple of years ago.
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Asensio is a three-time UEFA Champions League winner, La Liga and Ligue 1 champion and has lifted the U EFA Nations League with Spain.
The 29-year-old has netted five goals in seven appearances so far for Villa in the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup. With this form, it's easy to see why fans are already calling for the club to make Asensio's loan deal a permanent move.
Here's everything you need to know about Marco Asensio:
Name
Marco Asensio Willemsen
Position
Winger, Attacking Midfielder
Shirt number
21
Former clubs
Asensio rose through the youth ranks of Spanish first division side RCD Mallorca before being snapped up by European superpower Real Madrid in 2015, aged 18, for a fee in the region of €3.90million.
He would be sent to fellow La Liga side Espanyol on loan the following season and hit the ground running, racking up four goals and 15 assists in his time there.
Upon his return to Madrid Carlo Ancelotti was keen to integrate Asensio into the first team which featured superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Luka Modric.
Asensio featured 23 times over his first season as Madrid lifted La Liga for the first time since 2012. He would also capture the UEFA Champions League, scoring in the final as Madrid beat Juventus 4-1. In total, he would play 286 times for Real Madrid before joining PSG on a free transfer in 2023.
The Spanish international has struggled for fitness and minutes in Paris, eventually agreeing to join Villa on loan in January 2025 for the remainder of the campaign. There is no buy-clause included in the deal.
Playing style
Asensio is a versatile attacker who plays with direct intent, vision, and precision. He can operate in any position across the front line.
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During his time with Real Madrid, he quickly became known as a 'big game player', often scoring important goals in the club's toughest matches. He also possess the ability to carry the ball at pace with his dribbling, beating defenders or progressing transitions.
Estimated value
The 29-year-old is currently valued at €20million by Transfermarkt but has previously been estimated to be worth €90million while 22-year-old at Madrid, in 2018.
Would you like Asensio back at Villa? Have your say here
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