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Asensio as false nine at Real Madrid an option for Lopetegui

With Cristiano Ronaldo gone and no reinforcements signed, Julen Lopetegui could use Marco Asensio through the middle at Real Madrid.

Marco Asensio’s role as a false nine could become a regular feature for Real Madrid going forward under Julen Lopetegui, the coach acknowledged after his side’s 3-1 victory over Juventus.

Spain international Asensio came on at half-time in Real’s International Champions Cup meeting with the Serie A champions at FedEx Field and spearheaded the attack, netting a quickfire brace to help his side to a 3-1 victory.

With Los Blancos yet to find another central striker to fill the gap left by Cristiano Ronaldo, who left Madrid for Juve earlier in the transfer window, and with deals for Neymar and Robert Lewandowski looking increasingly unlikely, Lopetegui would be willing to use the 22-year-old in a new position this season.