Ancelotti: “Putting Asensio in midfield can hurt the opposition a lot”

Marco Asensio was one of the many star performers for Real Madrid as they thrashed Real Mallorca 6-1, with the man from the island scoring a hat-trick. After the match, Carlo Ancelotti was asked about the No.11 and about his decision to start Asensio in the midfield three and not out wide.

On the Spaniard’s performance, Ancelotti said in his post-match press conference: “He did really well. It’s true that putting him in that position is one that can hurt the other team a lot because he has a lot of quality receiving the ball between the lines. Plus, he can shoot really well and he combines well with the forwards. I’d love if we could find another case of this next week too, with another three goals.”

Ancelotti on playing without Modrić, Kroos and Casemiro

This was the first time since March of 2019 that Real Madrid went a whole match without having at least one of Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos or Casemiro in the line-up. But, those who did play were impressive and Ancelotti was asked about the young midfielders of the future. He said: “I think the future is secure with these players. With Valverde, Camavinga, Blanco… The present also has Modrić, Kroos and Casemiro. The midfield is very strong in every sense. “We have a good mix between experience and youth. I think the youngsters showed what they can do today, but we can’t forget that experience also has a big role to play in football. Those who came in showed that they were ready.”

Ancelotti on giving Benzema some rest

Karim Benzema is on fire, but he’ll eventually need some rest, especially if he’ll be playing with France each international break. On how well the No.9 is doing and on how he’ll rest him, Ancelotti said: “The fact he’s scored so many goals might make you forget that he also combining well and coming deeper to play assists. He’s a forward who doesn’t only score goals. He’s complete in every sense. When he does get tired, we’ll put Luka Jović in because he’s doing well I think. It’s tough for Jović because he’s got such tough competition. But, the little he is playing he’s doing well. He came close twice tonight and played well in Valencia too. When Benzema needs to rest, he’ll play.”