Marco Asensio Reportedly Wants to Swap Real Madrid for Juventus

Christopher Simpson @@CJSimpsonBRFeatured ColumnistNovember 16, 2018

VIGO, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 11: Marco Asensio of Real Madrid in action during the La Liga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Real Madrid CF at Abanca Balaidos Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Vigo, Spain (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Marco Asensio is reportedly hoping to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and leave Real Madrid for Juventus.

According to Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia), Asensio was "captivated" by the standing ovation Ronaldo received in Turin last season, and Real "perceive some movement" from the Spain international towards a transfer to Juve.

What's more, former team-mate Alvaro Morata "also told him wonderful things about Turin and the Bianconeri," and Asensio is said to believe manager Massimiliano Allegri can help him take "a further leap in quality" after seeing his work in improving the likes of Morata and Paul Pogba.

Big things were expected of the 22-year-old after Ronaldo left Madrid in the summer, but amid a difficult start to the season for the team, Asensio has failed to step up.

ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan singled out Asensio and Real's other attacking stars for criticism in their 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid in September:

Dermot Corrigan @dermotmcorrigan
None of Bale, Benzema or Asensio could / should argue if they get the hook at HT.

Overall, Asensio has just two goals and three assists in 17 matches in all competitions this season.

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The winger recently called on his team-mates to shoulder the responsibility for turning things around for Los Blancos, per Marca:

MARCA in English @MARCAinENGLISH
"It isn't up to me to lead from the front." Asensio is aware his form could be better. But he believes experienced teammates must step up more. 😬 🗣 https://t.co/rRYzU7t2u1 https://t.co/hKzNSm7cJm

While Asensio is still a young player and is surrounded by those more experienced than himself, he's also an exceptional talent who could be doing much more.

Real were hoping he could become a more important contributor after they parted with Ronaldo, per SB Nation's Lucas Navarrete:

Lucas Navarrete @LucasNavarreteM
Again. Real Madrid hoped that Asensio was willing to take that next step and lead this team in some games when they decided to sell Cristiano Ronaldo.

Madrid's form has seen an upturn since Santiago Solari replaced Julen Lopetegui as manager on October 29, so it may not be too long before Asensio is able to rediscover his form too.

Though he's not performed as hoped this season, he still has the potential to be a crucial player at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Similarly, his recent form likely wouldn't put off Juventus if he became available, but it's difficult to imagine Los Blancos considering his departure in the near future.