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What’s next after Ronaldo? Six Real replacements for Madrid superstar

| 22.09.2015
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

With Cristiano Ronaldo again linked with a move away from Real Madrid at the end of this season, as former employers Manchester United circle, Coral review six possible candidates who may step into his shoes at Spain’s capital club, who are 5/1 with us to win the Champions League this term.

Following Rafa Benitez’s recent quotes that there is only one guaranteed starter in his side on a weekly basis, it seems he will be very hard to replace.

“There is one undisputed player, and that’s Cristiano,” Benitez said of Ronaldo. “And then there are others who have to give their best, and we assess who is well and who is not. If we think a player is good, we’ll use him.

“Every player depends on his characteristics and on how he manages certain matches.

“I’ve not thought of favouring a player at any point over the team. The players know that Cristiano scores 50 goals a season. He makes the difference.”

Do you agree with these six possible replacements?

Marco Reus
Long-linked with a move to the club and everywhere else, the German forward has been a revelation at Borussia Dortmund and has what it takes to become a genuine superstar, if he can remain injury free. Key to everything his club do, should he have a prolific scoring season under new boss Thomas Tuchel, he could very well be earmarked as Ronaldo’s long term successor.

Antoine Griezmann
While Atletico Madrid will be loathed to sell one of their star players to their major rivals, history has shown that when Real want someone, they pull out all the stops. Since his move to Diego Simeone’s side, the Frenchman has established himself as one of the hottest properties in Spain.

Sergio Aguero
Probably the one candidate who is closer than anyone else to breaking into the same bracket as Ronaldo and indeed Lionel Messi. A natural goalscorer with a razor sharp instinct, his arrival at the Bernabeu would certainly go some way to softening the blow caused by any departure of CR7.

Soccer - Barclays Premier League - West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City - The Hawthorns

Gabriel Barbosa
A raw talent, the 19-year-old Santos forward has drawn comparisons to compatriot Neymar and certainly has the raw qualities to become a success in Europe.

Eden Hazard
Fans should not be worried at all if the Belgian ends up at Real. If Ronaldo did want to leave, and indeed re-establish a relationship with former boss Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, the chances of a swap are definitely possible and the deal might be convenient for all parties.

Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Chelsea v Arsenal - Stamford Bridge

Riyad Mahrez
A definite out-of-the-box alternative, though the Leicester City attacker’s stock is steadily on the rise after a sensational start to the season. The Algerian not only scores goals, but makes them, however for Madrid fans, he would be a somewhat underwhelming replacement.

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Author

Matt Haynes

A long-suffering Leeds fan, Matt studied Sports Journalism at university, and has a plethora of multi-industry experience. Having worked on behalf of multiple hedge funds and top-tier investment banks in executive search, he has also had a stint with the BBC and the Press Association. Outside of work, he pursues entrepreneurial activities and likes to keep fit.
Although he has interviewed current England manager Roy Hodgson as well as Rafa Benitez and a number of other names, he is honoured to have spent time in the company of Gordon Banks. Matt enjoys cultivating long-lasting professional and personal relationships, is solution orientated, and supports Coral’s sports content provision.