Spain vs Russia: 5 Best and Worst Players

2. Marco Asensio:

Asensio was lacklustre against Russia

The young lad from Real Madrid was trusted to start a really crucial World Cup game owing to his impressive performances over the past year or so. Asensio had made a name for himself as an impact substitution, but his overall play today hardly had any positive impact on the game as such.

Playing as a wide forward of sorts, he should have used his pace and footwork to get the better of the wide defenders. He was expected to feed Costa with some testing deliveries from the flanks before shifting inside to take a shot or two himself.

However, Marco’s overall game was devoid of any sort of commitment or tenacity, as he hardly ever looked keen enough to drop down a line in order to collect the possession of the ball. Unlike Isco, he preferred staying up and waited for the appropriate delivery rather than trying to create something of note himself.

Asensio never looked like taking on the defenders too, as he preferred waiting for the appropriate service. His lethargic display certainly degraded Spain’s chances, and Asensio wasn’t even doggy or clinical in front of the keeper to justify for his poor off-the-ball movement.

From 757 passes, only 5 made their way into Russia’s box. Quite the fortress. (via @StatsZone) pic.twitter.com/pUMJkzV6cz

— Othman (@othmannerisms) July 1, 2018