Sergio Asenjo - Report

The new Iker Casillas? That’s one big expectation hanging over the 20 year old keepers head. But if anyone fits into that category it is Sergio Asenjo.

Asenjo started his career at the club Real Valladolid, making his debut in early December 2007, and a very solid performance earned the trust of his manager José Mendilibar. This made Asenjo the youngest league goalkeeper of the season, at just 18 years and 6 months, and he has been first choice goalkeeper ever since. Asenjo’s talents were highly regarded at Real Valladolid, as he continued to hold down his regular starting place in the 2008/09 season, despite the signing of the experienced Justo Villar, who has over 50 caps for Paraguay, until injury forced him out of action for 3 months.

Asenjo is already being tipped to be the next Casillas and he has all the qualities to achieve that feat. Outstanding reflexes makes Asenjo an excellent shot stopper, and he has great command of his area. Standing at a relatively large 6ft 2.5in, Asenjo fills the goal and is great in one on one situations.

These attributes were all on display in the recent Under 21 World Cup, the highlight being an excellent penalty save down low to his right from James Milner against England in the group stages. Asenjo has also represented the Under 19 and Under 17 sides in both respective European Championships. Adding this to the positive league performances shows us why Atlético Madrid paid around 5 million euros plus players for the young star.