Zidane's Decision To Replace Asensio In The Osasuna Vs Madrid Match Is Difficult To Understand
JAKARTA - Some things are difficult to understand, no matter how early you wake up. Why did Zinedine Zidane replace Marco Asensio when the Spaniard became Real Madrid's best player at Osasuna on Sunday night?
It's not easy to understand, but it's possible to see. Yes, two plus two is not always four, and the reason for Zidane to replace Asensio is so that he doesn't replace Eden Hazard, who offered nothing in the match.
Okay, the Belgian star is just recovering from injury. But that doesn't mean we can understand. After all, in many of his previous matches he also showed no signs of life.
Zidane's starting XI was no surprise either. With Hazard starting, it's clear Asensio will start from the right or on the bench.
In last night's game, he started on the right and, of course, he wasn't at his best in the first half.
Doesn't anyone remember the game against Celta Vigo, or the pass to Casemiro against Granada, both coming from the left?
In short, it is not the first time, nor the last, that Zidane will have a dilemma to think about how to include Hazard and Asensio in the same team.
Asensio left the pitch with the same face as most players when he was substituted. In the 66th minute, he gave his place to Fede Valverde. But, without Asensio, Real Madrid are still not doing any better.
It was a bad night, and Zidane saw it. He was even late in bringing in Mariano Diaz to replace Hazard in the 75th minute.
Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior remains on the bench. His problems in front of goal are well known, but when he plays he usually makes things happen. He's a troublemaker.
But the fact is, Real Madrid are down two points at Pamplona, as they did against Elche two weeks ago. With a 0-0 result, Los Blancos' chances to lead the standings floated.