Eden Hazard or Neymar? Who will be the perfect replacement for Ronaldo at Real Madrid

Over the last few days, reports have emerged that Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Real Madrid after a 9-year stay with the club, which saw the Portuguese blossom into one of Europe’s brightest stars. Ronaldo has won a number of accolades and trophies across his glittering career.

He has won the Ballon D’or a record-equaling 5 times and holds the record for the most number of goals in the UEFA Champions League. The former Manchester United man has won a total of 26 trophies in his career, including 5 league titles, 5 Champions League titles, and one UEFA European Championship.

He is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world as well as one of the all-time greats in the sport. Ronaldo has turned 33 this year but age doesn’t really seem to be a barrier for the former Manchester United man.

He is currently being linked with Italian outfit Juventus who have offered £88m for the player. Real are said to be considering that offer and the player looks prepared to join the Italians. Juventus have not been able to claim the Champions League title in recent years but with Ronaldo in their ranks, they just might go on and win it.

But before that, Madrid are going to have to find a replacement for their talisman. The club have two possible options in Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and PSG winger Neymar. Both the players have reportedly been linked with the Spanish giants. But of the two, who would be a perfect fit for the squad?

Both Neymar and Hazard are exceptional players who are often at the top of their game in their respective leagues. Hazard has been Chelsea’s main man over the years, rescuing them a countless number of times.

The Belgian joined the Blues in 2012, going on to make a total of 208 league appearances for the club, scoring 69 goals and providing 39 assists. He is a silky, smart midfielder who is light on his toes and lightning fast on the ball. Hazard can play as a winger and also as a central attacking midfielder just behind the striker.

Neymar, on the other hand, is more of a world famous icon. The Brazilian loves being under the spotlight. Though he often faces criticism for his on-field antics, Neymar is surely one of the best players behind Ronaldo and Messi. The Brazilian twice finished behind the pair in the Ballon d’Or rankings and will surely take it home one day.

The world’s most expensive player was in sensational form for the Parisiens this season. Neymar made a total of 20 appearances in the Ligue 1, scoring 19 goals and providing 13 assists.

He also scored 6 goals and provided 3 assists in 7 Champions League appearances. Those are stunning numbers from the Samba magician. He is one of the best dribblers in Europe, with his ankle breaking skills and his taunts, which make him a handful for defenders.

It seems like Madrid should go for Neymar over Hazard in this scenario. Hazard is definitely a top-class player and would come a lot cheaper than the Brazilian. But there’s no doubt that Neymar is on course to becoming the world’s best soon and will eventually lift the Ballon d’Or one day.

Despite his controversial behaviour, Neymar truly is one of the best players out there and arguably only behind Ronaldo and Messi. Florentino Perez hasn’t broken the bank in recent times and should do whatever it takes to lure the Brazilian to the Spanish capital.