Sergio Asenjo

Sergio Asenjo Andrés, was born 28 June 1989. He is a Spanish footballer who plays for Atlético Madrid, as a goalkeeper. Born in Palencia, Castile and León, Asenjo began playing in Real Valladolid junior teams, and soon emerged as one of the most talented players in the club. He started the 2007–08 season playing for the reserve team, in the third category, which had just barely avoided relegation the previous campaign. However, poor performances by both first team goalkeepers, Frenchman Ludovic Butelle (on loan from Valencia CF) and veteran Alberto, gave him a chance to make a debut in the top flight, and his first appearance proved a very successful one, as he kept a clean sheet in a 2–0 home win over Villarreal CF, on 12 December 2007.

Following great performances, where he conceded one goal in his first five matches, Asenjo retained his starting job, becoming the youngest league goalkeeper that season. In January 2008, he signed his first professional contract, agreeing to extend his former youth contract with Valladolid for another three years, while also increasing his wage.

Asenjo would eventually play in the remaining league matches, retaining his position throughout 2008–09. However, he also missed three months of action, due to a knee injury.

On 8 July 2009, Asenjo transferred to Atlético Madrid for a fee of €5 million, signing a four-year contract. He started the season as first-choice but, after some costly mistakes - and a change of coach in November 2009 - lost his position to younger David de Gea.

In 2006, Asenjo was selected to the Spanish under-17 national team, as it took home the bronze in the 2006 Under-17 European Championship, with Asenjo as a key player, starting all of their matches.

He was again called up, for the 2007 Under-19 European Championship. In the qualification rounds, his role in the team was quite insignificant, as backup. But this changed in the semifinal against France, replacing the injured first-choice. After 0–0 in regulation time, the game was decided in a penalty shootout. Asenjo saved two, as Spain progressed to the final match, where he started against Greece with another excellent display, as Spain won 1–0 to be crowned European champions.

Asenjo made his U-21 debut in August 2008, and was first-choice at the 2009 European Championships; he also played at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt.