The Basics
Age: 27
Club: Real Madrid (free agent)
Nation: Spain
Position: Forward
Footed: Left
Asensio’s professional career began at RCD Mallorca, where he made his first team debut in the Spanish second division in 2013 aged 17. A move to Real Madrid, the club he supported as a child, followed in 2014.
After two loan spells, first back in Mallorca and then with Espanyol, Asensio finally made his competitive debut for Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup, scoring from long range. He also scored on his league debut for Los Blancos 12 days later.
In the 2017 Champions League final, Asensio netted in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Juventus. He enjoyed two more productive seasons before tearing his ACL in a pre-season match against Arsenal in 2019, which kept him out for almost an entire year.
On his return from injury in June 2020, Asensio scored with his first touch in Real’s 3-0 victory against Valencia.
His most productive season in Madrid was his last. Asensio scored nine goals and provided six assists in 2022/23. He could not agree a new deal with Real and is now a free agent.
Asensio is half Dutch on his mother’s side.
The Links
Various reports in Marca have linked Villa with Asensio. The Spanish newspaper has claimed Villa are “close” to signing the forward, and that manager Unai Emery has spoken to him.
Fabrizio Romano reported Villa “submitted an opening bid” to Asensio last week, adding that the club are “waiting on the player” as he also has interest from PSG, as well as unnamed teams in Italy.
The Scouting Report
Strengths
Although technically he was mostly deployed as a right winger for Real Madrid, Asensio doesn’t really play out wide, he’s more of an inside forward.
This narrower positioning allows him to arrive into the box in more central areas, which is one of the features of his game. Asensio finds space in the penalty area with well-timed, deliberate runs, which can also distract defenders and open up space for his teammates.
Asensio ranks in the 64th percentile for touches in the opponents’ penalty area compared to attacking midfielders/wingers in the ‘Big 5’ leagues over the last year, as well as the 90th percentile for non-penalty expected goals (xG), showing his ability to get in position to score.
Asensio’s headline act is his shooting, especially from range. He has netted 19 times in the last two seasons and has outscored his xG in four out of his five La Liga campaigns. His highlight reel is littered with screamers from outside the box.
The technical ability is clear to see. Asensio causes problems for opponents with teasing crosses. The Spaniard’s ball-striking prowess makes him a valuable set-piece taker, both direct and indirect.
His first touch is immaculate, and he can slide well-placed through balls into the penalty area to create chances. Asensio’s decision making in the final third is usually spot on and he ranks in the 94th percentile for expected assists (xAG).
A particularly impressive aspect of Asensio’s game, and one which will no doubt appeal to Emery, is his ability to lead transitions. He can collect the ball and drive his team forward from deep, showing a turn of pace.
Asensio combines well with his teammates in counter-attacking moments, flicking first-time passes round the corner or playing one-twos. His link up with Karim Benzema was effective and allowed him to get behind defences.
He ranks in the 71st percentile for progressive passes at his position and the 64th percentile for progressive runs.
Despite mostly playing in the forward line, Asensio could be seen dropping in to get involved in build-up, as deep as the center circle or, at times, level with the Real Madrid defence. He is happy to roam all over the pitch.
Asensio ranks in the 87th percentile for passes attempted and the 91st percentile for pass accuracy compared to his fellow attacking midfielders/wingers.
He’s not exactly built like a target man, but Asensio stands at 6’0” and ranks in the 97th percentile for percentage of aerial duels won among attacking midfielders and wingers.
It’s worth pointing out this comes from a small sample size, since players in his position are not regularly asked to win headers, but it’s nice to know long balls can go in his direction without it being an automatic loss.
Weaknesses
For all his attacking quality, Asensio isn’t a player who regularly dribbles past defenders. He ranks in just the 13th percentile for take ons attempted. However, when he does attempt it, he has a success rate in the 99thpercentile.
He doesn’t carry the ball into penalty area, either, ranking in just the 28th percentile. The forward instead looks to pass the ball off and get it back once he’s in the box, which works for him.
Given his projected position at Villa (more on that in a moment), there could be a concern over his physicality. There are times where Asensio is not strong enough and can be dispossessed too easily.
Asensio isn’t lazy and does get back into defensive positions, but he doesn’t really engage in any actual defending once there. He ranks in the 20th percentile for tackles, the 14th percentile for blocks and the 38thpercentile for clearances compared to his positional peers.
He does rank in the 57th percentile for interceptions, though, and ultimately, the role in which Villa would use Asensio may free him from defensive responsibility for the most part.
There will also be some concern over Asensio’s injury history, although it is not extensive outside of his ACL tear.
Fit With Villa
Asensio would likely play as a second striker for Villa, rather than a winger. This role would suit his skillset and he would provide an upgrade over Emiliano Buendia and Leon Bailey, who have manned the position at different times.
He would link up well with Watkins and add an extra level of quality to Villa’s counter attacks.
If Emery wants to use a 4-3-3 at times, he Asensio would be able to slot back in on the right wing as he did for Real Madrid.
Signing a player of Asensio’s quality and name power would be a real coup for Villa and a statement of intent as the club looks to kick on after sealing European football. Acquiring him on a free transfer would also represent brilliant business.
Similar Players
The 10 closest statistical comparisons to Asensio, according to FBREF, are:
- Paulo Dybala
- Lionel Messi
- Neymar
- James Maddison
- Leroy Sané
- Serge Gnabry
- Jamal Musiala
- Julian Brandt
- Mohamed Salah
- Phil Foden
Dybala and Maddison would appear to be the only potentially realistic alternatives.
Dybala reportedly has a release clause for non-Italian clubs of just €12million (£10.37million), but if Roma wins the Europa League on Wednesday and therefore qualify for the Champions League, he may be inclined to stay having only been in Rome for a year.
Reports aggregated by villareport.
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