Raul Asencio’s position at Real Madrid continues to generate discussion, but the young defender is committed to proving his worth in the team. As reported by AS, the academy product is focused on convincing manager Jose Mourinho of his capabilities within the new team setup.

Despite recent media speculation, the report indicates that Asencio has made a positive impression on the coaching staff since returning from his summer break. His recovery from a muscle injury also progressed more rapidly than initially anticipated.

While there remains uncertainty regarding Asencio’s fitness and long-term future, particularly due to an ongoing tibial issue and increased competition following Ibrahima Konate’s arrival, his determination shines through.

Asencio Impressive in Training

Asencio has navigated considerable changes early in his senior career, having debuted with Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti. He has since worked under various coaches, including Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, with Mourinho now at the helm.

The shift in management brought new challenges, yet Asencio is undeterred in his pursuit to earn a place in the squad. The arrival of Konate heightened competition for defensive spots, but the Spanish defender has responded positively.

Since returning from vacation, Asencio has prioritized gaining Mourinho’s trust and has impressed the coaching staff with his training discipline and commitment.

Unfortunately, a muscle injury sidelined him for the final four pre-season matches and Real Madrid’s opening La Liga clash against Espanyol. Nevertheless, Asencio dedicated significant effort to rehabilitation, reportedly speeding up his recovery timeline by one week.

He participated in part of Monday’s training session at Valdebebas and could rejoin full squad training by Thursday. If all goes as planned, he may be available for next Sunday’s league match against Malaga.

Asencio Honors Carvajal with No. 2 Shirt

In a personal move, Asencio requested the No. 2 shirt previously worn by Dani Carvajal following the veteran’s departure from the club. This choice serves as a tribute to Carvajal, who stands as a significant role model for Asencio and is another product of Real Madrid’s academy.

Asencio admires Carvajal’s progression from the youth system to a key player at the club, making the adoption of the No. 2 a meaningful nod to their shared backgrounds.

Additionally, Asencio’s versatility could prove beneficial; although he primarily plays as a centre-back, he has experience in the right-back position. However, with two specialist right-backs currently on the roster, it remains to be seen how Mourinho will utilize him.

Raul Asencio’s future at Real Madrid may still be a one of the big talking points, but the defender has no intention of giving up on his place in the squad.

According to AS, the Real Madrid academy graduate is determined to convince Jose Mourinho that he deserves to remain part of the new project. 

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Regardless of what is said in the media recently, the outlet assures that his approach since returning from his summer break has impressed the coaching staff, while his recovery from the muscle injury has moved faster than initially expected.

Right now, there is still uncertainty surrounding Asencio’s fitness and his longer-term future, particularly with a lingering tibial problem and increased competition following Ibrahima Konate’s arrival. 

Asencio impresses Mourinho

Asencio has already experienced plenty of change despite being at an early stage of his senior career.

The defender made his Real Madrid debut under Carlo Ancelotti and later worked under Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa before Mourinho took charge. 

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Every managerial change brought a fresh challenge, and the Portuguese coach’s arrival was no different.

Raul Asencio is not ready to give up yet. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

With Real Madrid strengthening their defence, there had been suggestions that Asencio could become one of the players considered for a departure. 

Konate’s arrival increased the competition at centre-back, but the Spanish defender responded in the best possible way.

From the moment he returned from his holidays, his focus was on earning Mourinho’s trust.

AS reports that the coaching staff was impressed by his discipline and commitment in training. 

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That effort, however, also came at a cost, as a muscle injury ruled him out of the final four pre-season matches and Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against Espanyol.

Asencio has since worked intensely with the club’s physiotherapists and rehabilitation staff, reportedly bringing his expected recovery forward by a week.

The defender participated in part of Monday’s training session at Valdebebas and could be fully integrated with the group by Thursday. 

Raul Asencio requested Dani Carvajal’s #2 shirt after the icon’s departure. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

If everything continues to progress as planned, we could see him available for next Sunday’s league match against Malaga.

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Asencio requested Carvajal’s No. 2

One of the more interesting details surrounding Asencio’s tenure at Real Madrid concerns his choice of shirt number.

According to the report, the defender requested Dani Carvajal’s iconic No. 2 shirt as a tribute to one of his biggest role models and another product of the Real Madrid academy.

Carvajal’s journey from the youth ranks to becoming a major figure at Real Madrid is one that Asencio has admired, having followed a similar route through the club’s academy

Hence, wearing the No. 2 would be a personal way of honouring that connection.

Furthermore, it also fits Asencio’s versatility. Although primarily a centre-back, he has previously played at right-back for Real Madrid. 

That flexibility could become valuable to Mourinho, although it is unlikely that the manager would use him here, especially now that the club has two specialist right-backs.