It has been some frustrating years for Marco Asensio and Real Madrid.
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Since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in July 2019, the Spaniard has faced an almost vertical uphill climb to regain his glittering best form in Los Blanco’s white jersey.
The three goals in nine games that he managed at the end of last season suggested that he could still have an impact on Zinedine Zidane, but this year’s lack of contribution to a team that can not carry passengers has touched many spectators.
But Zidane now seems to have enchanted a system that strengthens the 25-year-old’s strengths and has led many to believe that the real Marco Asensio has risen again – just when the Frenchman needs him most.
This time he is not the former good-looking winger. Asensio is a key striker and looks. Zidane has got the Spanish champions to play in a floating 3-5-2 formation, with the in-form Spanish partnership Karim Benzema at the top of the pitch.
Asensio has more goals in April than Lionel Messi and Ronaldo. I know mine? pic.twitter.com/dynJ5wrq2g
– X. (@RMardridFC) April 3, 2021
In the fair direction of Zidane, it makes a lot of sense. Do you want to get the best out of a wrong player? Keep him next to the most selfless forward on the planet and see him alive. That is exactly what happened to Asensio, who in his midfielder was on a hot streak with two goals in as many matches that went into the Eibar clash on Saturday.
The forward was meant to add to his mood from off, hit the crossbar with a curling free kick and then find the net from close range, just so that his intelligent back heel would be cruelly ruled out for a missed offside call. Fair but unfair.
Asensio got his goal in 40 minutes, read Casemiro’s smart ball to perfection, took a touch of dreams to power beyond the defender and placed a fantastically cut shot beyond Marko Dimitrovic.
An outrageous finish from Marco Asensio … but that’s out of the question! ❌
Real Madrid is still waiting for a breakthrough ⚪ pic.twitter.com/PhSG1Ils2i
– Premier Sports? (@PremierSportsTV) April 3, 2021
That strike was the perfect way to round off a flawless opening 45 minutes for the Spanish international and place Madrid within three points of rivals Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga.
But the returning star was not finished yet. He came swinging out during the second half and forced Dimitrovic to take drastic measures to tip a bending, dipping long-range attack over the crossbar.
The free, floating striker role played perfectly in Asensio’s hands, as he could hover and hug the right flank when Madrid looked to double on the troubled hill or hare behind to chase down one of Benzema’s many successful flick -ons.
The only rag in the afternoon was his prey on the hour mark. Zidane is clearly determined to keep Asensio fresh and wants to avoid the risk of a recurrence injury or burnout, so he decided to take Rodrygo in his place.
? | Marco Asensio vs Eibar:
• 61 minutes played • 37 touches • 3 shots • 1 successful dribbling • 2 passes • 1 goal
His form run continues! #rmalive pic.twitter.com/Re8HGTXADh
– Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) April 3, 2021
Going forward, he seemed disappointed to have come off, but hopefully he can see the bigger picture here.
After years of flattering to cheat and fight training issues, Asensio now threatens to become the star he should be – and just in time as well, as Madrid enter the home leg of this dramatic title race.
