Marco Asensio, the Spanish international and talented midfielder, is making waves at Aston Villa after a stunning performance against Chelsea and an impressive debut against Tottenham. Asensio, known for his creativity and skill, sees himself as a No. 10 and hopes to make this role his own at Villa. His arrival has prompted tactical shifts, including moving Morgan Rogers to the right wing to accommodate his preferred position.
The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo as the most famous contact in his phone hints at the illustrious company Asensio has kept throughout his career. Starting at Mallorca and progressing through a loan spell at Espanyol, Asensio honed his skills before joining the ranks of stars at Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. His decision to join Aston Villa on loan from PSG reflects his desire to experience life outside Spain and embrace new challenges in the Premier League.
"I am happy," Asensio tells Sky Sports. "Happy to join the project, be with my team-mates and staff, and grateful to be able to give a lot of joy to the fans as well. I want to be able to help us achieve the goals that we have, collectively, as a team and a club."
Asensio’s favorite strike remains his goal in the 2016 UEFA Super Cup, showcasing his exceptional left-footed talent. While his attitude has never been questioned, tracking back defensively does not come naturally to him. However, under the guidance of coach Unai Emery, a seasoned tactician known for his organizational skills, Asensio believes he can thrive.
"He is a coach with a lot of experience. He has been in big clubs, won titles. He helps show us the best way to win. He always gives us the tools so that we can use them on the pitch, whoever is the opponent. I think that is important. Not all coaches have that."
Asensio is optimistic about Emery's system and its compatibility with his playing style.
"In the end, they are just styles. Every game is different. I think Unai's style, when it comes to defending and attacking, fits perfectly with my characteristics. When it comes to defending with a lower block, that does not mean we do not want to dominate."
This harmony between player and coach fuels Asensio's ambition for the remainder of the season with Aston Villa.
"It is incredible how they support us and encourage us. If you put that all together, the club, coach, players and fans, we believe that we can aspire towards achieving the maximum this year in the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup."
Asensio's career trajectory illustrates his resilience and adaptability. From humble beginnings at Mallorca to sharing dressing rooms with football's elite at Real Madrid and PSG, he has consistently proven his mettle on the field. His journey also highlights his longing for personal and professional growth beyond familiar territories.
"Sometimes it comes with age," he explains. "I have always been the youngest in the teams and now it is up to me, being the veteran, to assume that role. But I have always liked responsibility. I have always been in teams where there is a lot of pressure."
This responsibility now extends to his role at Aston Villa, where he aims to contribute significantly in a team setting that values both individual brilliance and collective effort.
"Those of you who have seen me from the outside, you have seen me play more from the left or from the right, with that freedom to come inside."
Asensio's comfort in various positions underscores his versatility and readiness to adapt as per team requirements.
"But this is my natural position, where I started out at Mallorca, when I signed for Madrid. It has been one of my personal goals to play in that position because I believe it will help me reach my maximum level in terms of goals, assists and helping the team."
Aston Villa's faith in Asensio reflects their strategic planning for future successes. By providing him an opportunity to play in his favored No. 10 role, they acknowledge his potential impact on their quest for glory across competitions.
"There are many phases of the game that we want to dominate. If it is with the ball, all the better. But you also have to comply with the defensive aspects of the game because if you have a good defensive basis then those attacking qualities can always come out."
Asensio's dedication to both defense and attack aligns with Villa's aspirations for a balanced approach on the field.
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