Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid earlier in this summer’s transfer window. The Portugal international signed for Juventus for a fee of €100 million. Ronaldo, 33, is Real Madrid’s all-time top goal scorer and averaged fifty goals every season during his nine years with the reigning European champions.
The Whites were linked with a host of names including Neymar and Eden Hazard to eventually replace Cristiano Ronaldo. However, there has not been any concrete offer made by the club for either of them. Neymar has confirmed his desire to stay in Paris, while Chelsea will demand a huge amount of €200 million for Hazard.
Florentino Perez and Julen Lopetegui will now consider turning to an in-house option with a number of players available at disposal in the current squad. We have a look at three players who can fill in Ronaldo’s void.
1. Isco
Isco is the first name on Lopetegui’s mind to replace Cristiano’s gap. He can play a fantastic role in a 4-4-2 diamond formation by being at the head of a four man midfield. During his tenure as Spain coach, Lopetegui got the best out of Isco in almost every match.
One of his most memorable performances in a World Cup qualifying match against Italy came under Lopetegui’s management. Playing the former Malaga man in the attacking midfielder’s role could bring prosperity to Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old was an asset to Madrid’s attacking department in 2017/18. He scored 9 goals and assisted 10.
2. Marco Asensio
Marco Asensio is the second option that stands out in the selection of Ronaldo’s replacement. The 22-year-old is one of the biggest prospects in world football. He scored over 20 goals in his first two seasons at the club in spite of being a fringe player.
Asensio once again displayed his exploits for the Whites by scoring a brace in their 3-1 win against Juventus. Asensio has also been on target against few of the world’s top clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus amongst others.
While he may not score 50 goals every season, a target of 35 goals as a starting line-up player could be fantastic.
Vinicius Jr.
Real Madrid added a South American asset to their squad. They managed to nab the services of Vinicius Jr. from Brazilian outfit Flamengo. Having now turned 18, he has joined Real Madrid’s first team this summer.
He has been taken to the United States for pre-season and has been nothing less than sensational for Lopetegui’s side. He delivered mesmerising performances against Manchester United and Juventus, even delivering an assist against the latter.
While he has been linked with loan moves to Rayo Vallecano and Getafe, there could be other ideas in the minds of Real Madrid’s coaching staff.
Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juventus in July and his arrival will change everything. The world’s most famous footballer will be plying his trade in Italy next season; it will alter the entire perception of the league.
He will be feted as a god; the saviour of Serie A. He will receive the respect and reverence that he feels he has been often denied in Spain.
Money is obviously a major motivating factor behind the transfer but Ronaldo wasn’t just paying lip service to Juventus fans when he thanked them for affording him a standing ovation after his spectacular overhead kick in Turin in March. He was genuinely touched by the collective show of sportsmanship.
Now, though, he has belatedly joined the Bianconeri. It is as sensational as it is shocking. For the first time in a decade, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner will be playing in Serie A. It is a remarkable development, given the Italian game’s money problems in recent years.