Tuesday was one of those days where football fans were left in awe as a footballing legend Cristiano Ronaldo called it quits at Real Madrid and officially made a move to Juventus in the Serie A. This was a move that no one saw coming, although reports of its likelihood emerged recently.
Ronaldo played his part effectively for the Los Blancos and has now left a huge void for the Real Madrid hierarchy under the leadership of Florentino Perez to fill.
The Portuguese was a hit at the Santiago Bernabeu and replacing him with similar quality, or at least close to, won’t be a mean feat, as this would definitely cost the Los Blancos a fortune in the present inflated transfer market.
Regardless, we’ve taken a look at the current players plying their trade in Europe’s top clubs, and we’ve identified 4 players who can fill the goalscorer’s void that Ronaldo has left at the Bernabeu. They are listed in no particular order:
1. Neymar
It’s no secret that Madrid president Florentino Perez is a huge admirer of the Brazil international and PSG star.
It can be recalled that the Madrid hierarchy recently denied claims that they had tabled a gargantuan bid to PSG for Neymar. Neymar played his part for Brazil in Russia 2018 although they were eliminated in the quarter-final stage of the competition.
Neymar possesses the marketability that can suit the Santiago Bernabeu outfit and has also proven he can cut it in the highest stage.
He was instrumental during his time in the La Liga with Barcelona before making the world record move to Paris St. Germain, where he continues to dazzle with his performances consistently. He can offer the goals, and also offer more creativity than the aging Ronaldo. He will be an optimal replacement for the Portuguese star at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Chelsea attacker and current Belgium captain at the Russia 2018 tournament is another player that has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent times. Hazard is not much of a prolific goalscorer by his records, but he can offer unrivaled creativity to the Madrid attack from the wide positions or through the middle.
A move to the Santiago Bernabeu might also see him needing to shed some of his creative talents and focus more on scoring more goals as that was the major benefit Ronaldo offered to the Madrid setup, and goals win games.
However, Hazard is more of a creative outlet and will most definitely suit the Madrid setup. The player has been speaking highly of Madrid recently and might be ready to call it quits at Stamford Bridge this summer in his quest to win the UEFA Champions League, but all this will be dependent on Real Madrid making an offer. Hazard is another ideal replacement for the Portuguese star
The 19-year-old French attacker is another likely replacement on the cards for Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabeu. Mbappe has definitely seen his stock rise with the decent and consistent performances he has put in for France in the Russia 2018 World Cup on the road to the final, where they now await one of Croatia or England.
Mbappe entered into the limelight whilst at AS Monaco and has been a hit ever since, and even after the move to PSG. The tricky attacker is another one that can offer more creativity, and can also be among the goals.
However, whilst being exceptional, he’s yet to deliver consistently over the same period as the aforementioned players in the list have done, and we wait to see if Real Madrid will be willing to let the youngster assume the legendary role and huge responsibility that Ronaldo left behind at the Bernabeu.
4. Harry Kane
The Spurs striker and England international has been consistent in all competitions for Tottenham Hotspur since he assumed the role of the first-choice striker at the club.
Harry Kane is more of a target man and will require an exceptionally creative talent for a club of Madrid’s status to provide the chances for him to put away. He can offer the goals that Ronaldo did at the Bernabeu.
Kane has proven over time that he is no one-season wonder, and will likely be a hit at the Bernabeu if he makes the move.
It will be a big task for Madrid though, knowing who Daniel Levy is as he would want to squeeze out every cent that meets the player’s valuation if Real Madrid should indicate an interest in the Center-Forward. A move for Kane will definitely signal the end for Benzema at the Bernabeu.
