From Champions League Glory to Aston Villa: The Unlikely Journey of Marco Asensio
On 26 May 2018, Marco Asensio celebrated his second Champions League triumph, a day that also marked Aston Villa’s defeat to Fulham in the Championship play-off final. Fast forward to 2025, and in a twist of fate that almost seems scripted, Asensio is now donning the claret and blue of Villa, alongside fellow star Marcus Rashford. The two players, once rivals, are now teammates, forging a partnership that feels remarkably seamless despite being relatively new. This collaboration is especially remarkable considering Villa’s struggles just a couple of years ago under the management of Steven Gerrard.
While Unai Emery has transformed Villa into a formidable European squad, Asensio’s loan from Paris Saint-Germain raised eyebrows in football circles across England, France, and Spain. Many questioned the rationale behind the move, yet it was Emery’s vision that ultimately convinced Asensio to join Villa, offering him a role he had long desired.
The Early Promise of Marco Asensio
To understand the significance of Asensio’s journey, we must rewind to 2018, a year when he was on the verge of becoming one of the most expensive footballers in history. His agent, Horacio Gaggioli, revealed that two English clubs, including Liverpool, were prepared to pay between €150-180 million for his services. That summer, Kylian Mbappe’s £163 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain was finalized, while Neymar had already set the world record with his £200 million move to the French club. Asensio, a rising star, was in esteemed company, yet Real Madrid was determined to keep him, having secured his future with a reported £442 million release clause.
Asensio had made his mark on the global stage, scoring in the 2017 Champions League final against Juventus and earning a spot on Spain’s national team. However, despite his talents, he faced a significant challenge: finding his ideal position on the pitch. While he envisioned himself as a No. 10, he predominantly played as a winger at Madrid, where stiff competition from stars like Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo limited his opportunities.
A New Chapter at PSG
In 2023, Asensio sought a fresh start and transferred to PSG, coinciding with Emery’s ambitious plans for Villa. However, an unfortunate foot injury sidelined him for three months, stunting his progress after a promising start that saw him score twice in his first three Ligue 1 appearances. Upon his return, he struggled for consistent playing time under manager Luis Enrique, who tried him in various roles but rarely utilized him effectively.
Asensio’s situation became increasingly frustrating, as he found himself spending more time on the bench than on the pitch. Ultimately, the transfer dominoes began to fall, allowing Villa to create space for Asensio following Emiliano Buendia’s loan to Bayer Leverkusen. PSG, in turn, brought in winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli.
A Perfect Fit at Villa
Thus commenced one of the most surprising transfers of January, with Asensio joining Villa alongside Rashford. Since his arrival, he has made a significant impact, netting four goals in six games and reclaiming his spot as a No. 10 in Emery’s setup. “When we spoke with him, even before he went to Paris, we discussed the challenge of playing in the Premier League and his desire to play as a number 10,” Emery remarked following Asensio’s stellar performance in an FA Cup win against Cardiff City.
Asensio echoed Emery’s sentiments, stating, “A key factor in my decision was that when I spoke to Unai, he told me he sees me as a No. 10. That was important to me. I’ve known Unai for years. I know how he plays. His style suits my football, and he will get the best version of me.” His renewed form is already winning over Villa Park’s supporters, many of whom had initially been skeptical about his transfer.
Aston Villa’s Champions League Experience
Asensio brings invaluable experience to Villa, especially considering that he is the only player in their squad with Champions League glory. He has won the prestigious tournament three times, with 69 appearances in total, far surpassing his fellow teammates. The following players have made 10 or more appearances in the Champions League:
- Marco Asensio – 69 apps
- Marcus Rashford – 33 apps
- Donyell Malen – 31 apps
- Lucas Digne – 29 apps
- Youri Tielemans – 28 apps
- Robin Olsen – 18 apps
- Pau Torres – 18 apps
- Ian Maatsen – 14 apps
- Ross Barkley – 11 apps
- Amadou Onana – 11 apps
- Leon Bailey – 11 apps
- Boubacar Kamara – 11 apps
- Emiliano Martinez – 10 apps
This experience is crucial as Villa embarks on a Champions League campaign, especially after Ollie Watkins highlighted the squad’s need for a “big-team mentality.” With each passing month, Villa is enhancing its big-game experience, and Asensio’s contributions will be vital as they prepare for their upcoming clash against Bruges in the last-16 of the tournament.
Expect Asensio to play a pivotal role, orchestrating the game from the heart of the pitch. While his loan may only last until the end of the season, he could leave a lasting impact on Villa’s pursuit of silverware. Additionally, young talent Morgan Rogers has found himself playing alongside Asensio, potentially mirroring Asensio’s own journey at Madrid. Asensio’s vast experience will undoubtedly influence Rogers’ development.
Embracing his role as a mentor, Asensio stated, “I have always been the youngest in the teams, and now it is up to me to assume that leadership role. I have always liked responsibility.” This willingness to lead, combined with his newfound joy in playing his preferred position, promises to benefit both Asensio and Aston Villa. As their partnership flourishes, one can’t help but wonder if Villa, navigating financial challenges, might seek to extend their relationship with Asensio beyond the current season.
