Two Real Madrid players are reportedly much happier and feeling more free on the pitch after Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Juventus this summer.
Those players in question are Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio, according to Don Balon, as they form a fine new-look front three alongside Karim Benzema.
The attacking duo should now have more opportunities to become regular starters in the team and stake their claim to become the new focal point up front.
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Asensio in particular had previously struggled to get much playing time at the Bernabeu, despite looking impressive whenever used by Zinedine Zidane.
With Madrid now under new management following the appointment of Julen Lopetegui, this really does look like an opportunity for a fresh start for both Bale and Asensio.
Los Blancos fans could be forgiven, however, for feeling a little anxious about their club’s hopes for this season after losing a legendary figure like Ronaldo up front.
The Portugal international left the Spanish capital as the club’s all-time leading scorer, while Zidane’s departure as manager seems far from ideal either.
Madrid are yet to make any big-name signings in attack, but surely need at least one new player to come in to help fill the void left by Ronaldo.