Real Madrid youngster close to receiving maiden call-up for Spain national team | OneFootball

One of the major positives so far this season for Real Madrid has been the emergence of Raul Asencio.

The youngster, a product of La Fabrica, has established himself as a first-team player, making the most of the his opportunities borne out of an injury crisis in defence.

Spain call-up on the horizon

Given his progression at Real Madrid, journalist Alfredo Matilla reports that Asencio is close to earning his first call-up to the Spanish national team later this month.

Spain’s defence is in tatters heading into the upcoming international break where they face the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals on March 20 (first leg in Rotterdam) and March 23 (second leg in Valencia) with the aim of reaching the final four in June.

Aymeric Laporte and Dani Vivian are set to be unavailable due to injuries. Pau Torres, even though he has recovered from his injury, has yet to play for Aston Villa since returning.

An exciting prospect. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Aitor Paredes (Athletic Club) and Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid), two defenders often considered by manager Luis de la Fuente, are also struggling for form.

With only Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi fully fit, De la Fuente may have to make surprise selections when he announces his squad on Friday, paving the way for Asencio.

Indeed, Asencio’s chances of making the Spain squad have increased in recent weeks. His performances for Real Madrid have caught the attention of Spain’s coaching staff, who are eager to see him in action at Las Rozas.

As such, the La Fabrica product’s call-up would not be a surprise. If he is not included in the senior squad, he may feature for Spain’s Under-21s, who will face the Czech Republic and Germany in friendlies during the upcoming international break.

De la Fuente will announce his squad on Friday, March 14, and he must decide to choose between someone like Asencio or Real Madrid target Dean Huijsen, or go back to experienced stars such as Inigo Martinez or Nacho Fernandez.