Asensio hopes to get more playing time this season at Real Madrid

The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus has left Real Madrid looking to sign a new forward before the transfer window closes at the end of August. But one footballer hoping to benefit from the Portuguese superstar's move is the club's 22-year-old Marco Asensio.

Asensio scored six goals in 32 league appearances last season, but made just 19 starts. However, that looks set to change this campaign as he was in the starting 11 when Madrid kicked off their 2018-19 campaign with a 2-0 win over Getafe last week, reports Xinhua news agency.

Speaking in GQ magazine, Asensio said he hopes to become a fixture in the Madrid starting 11.

"I have already had the opportunity to be a starter in very important matches in both Madrid and the national team and I hope that I can become more important and play more regularly for both," he said.

The former Mallorca youngster believes his adaptability should help him play more often this campaign.

"I can play in any position in the attacking zone, but I don't like to be in a fixed position; I need the freedom to move around and create," commented Asensio, who said he is not affected by pressure.

"I try not to pay too much attention to the expectations placed on me," he commented, explaining it was "normal, because I have had two very good years at Real Madrid."

Asensio will have less competition for a starting role after the Spanish press confirmed that Real Madrid will loan forward Raul de Tomas to recently promoted Rayo Vallecano for a second season.

De Tomas scored 24 goals to help the side from the south of Madrid win promotion back to the La Liga last season and could even form part of the Rayo squad that will face Atletico Madrid on Saturday night in Atletico's Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

--IANS

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