Xabi Alonso Faces Crucial Decision Between Raúl Asencio and Jacobo Ramón for Real Madrid’s Final Centre-Back Spot

As Xabi Alonso prepares Real Madrid for the 2025/26 season, the manager faces a pivotal decision that could shape the team’s defensive future: selecting the fifth centre-back to join Dean Huijsen, Éder Militão, David Alaba, and Antonio Rüdiger. The choice lies between two promising academy talents—Raúl Asencio and Jacobo Ramón—with pressure mounting to make the right call ahead of a defining campaign.

Both youngsters have shown their potential in La Liga this season. Asencio, who has been slightly ahead, made an immediate impact with an assist on his debut against Osasuna, earning praise for his composure and vision. Meanwhile, Ramón marked his first start with a goal against Mallorca, highlighting his aerial prowess and defensive instincts, as noted in a Real Madrid Fabrica post on X. However, Asencio’s path to a permanent spot has been complicated by what SPORT describes as “his legal situation,” which has delayed his promotion despite being a leading candidate.

Alonso’s decision carries significant weight as Real Madrid aims to maintain their dominance while integrating youth into a veteran-heavy squad. Asencio offers versatility and experience with the first team, but his off-field issues could tip the scales. Ramón, on the other hand, brings raw potential and a knack for crucial moments, though he lacks Asencio’s consistency at the senior level. With the FIFA Club World Cup looming, the chosen defender will need to be ready for high-stakes challenges.

As of May 30, 2025, the debate rages on among fans on X, with some backing Asencio’s maturity and others championing Ramón’s upside. Alonso’s bold choice will not only define his defensive setup but also signal his vision for Real Madrid’s future.