Marco Asensio has come a long way from the benches of the Mallorca reserves but even after spending almost two seasons with Real Madrid has not carved out a starting XI spot under Zinedine Zidane. The 22-year-old has made 40 total appearances for the Galacticos this season and almost half of those have come as a substitute.
He looked to be one of the less impressive players in the weekend win over Las Palmas and Dario Gol understands that warning shots have already been sent his way. The attacking midfielder is expected to be left on the benches for the Quarter Final Champions League fixture Juventus as well and this might be the onset of another transfer saga.
Zidane has rotated the Spaniard in multiple positions, often away from his best-suited role – the number 10 spot. However, Asensio has delivered 10 goals and 4 assists despite being forced to adapt to new roles almost every week.
He even played a major part in the First Leg of the Round of 16 fixture against Paris Saint-Germain, where he came on to set up Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo two piercing low driven crosses – both of them ending up in the back of the net.
Manchester City are on the hunt for world-class talent and Asensio seems to fit all of Pep Guardiola’s requirements. He is athletic, fast and technically adept with the ball under his feet.
The former Barcelona manager seems to prefer players like Asensio who are capable of dictating the offence from all any position in the final third.
The Citizens are flying way above their domestic rivals in the Premier League and eyeing a strong finish in the European stage as well. Guardiola has converted an expensively assembled team to one of England’s best and quite possibly a favourite to win the Champions League this season.
He has answered his critics by winning the Carabo Cup trophy earlier in March and is eyeing even more silverware. The quadruple is in career plans with the Etihad based club and quite frankly might just be possible given the talent pool he has allocated over the past two seasons.
However, Asensio could be surplus to his own requirements since he already has players like Leroy Sane, Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Bernardo Silva. The attack does not need any more tinkering and Asensio is far too good as a rotational option. The 22-year-old is better off biding his time with the La Liga giants.
