Asensio delivers solid performance as Luis Enrique uses him in new role

Interestingly enough, Luis Enrique played Marco Asensio in a false nine role in Spain's first game at the World Cup.

Although we've never seen Asensio play in that position at Real Madrid, the 26-year-old went on to deliver a great performance, even scoring a goal.

Here's what the numbers tell us.

69 minutes

1 goal

5 shots

1 shot on goal

33/37 passes

0/2 crosses

1/5 duels won

1 tackle

Marco's heatmap

Perhaps Carlo Ancelotti will also use Asensio in the false nine role after the World Cup. The coach tried Rodrygo in that spot when Karim Benzema was out but the Brazilian looked lost in the final games before the break.

At the moment of writing, Spain are 5-0 up against Costa Rica.