Why Hazard cannot replace Ronaldo

Julen Lopetegui will now look somewhere else for  50-goal a season player following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus.

Obviously no player can replace the likes of Ronaldo and Lionel Messi who have shared each of the last ten Ballon d'OR among them, with Brazilian Ricardo Kaka in 2007 being the last and only footballer outside the duo to have claimed the top individual prize in football.

In other words, the then AC Milan star was the last human-player to have scoped the Ballon d'OR.

The Portuguese talisman played an integral role last season as Madrid retained their European crown which they have won for each of the last three season, scoring 44 goals as Zidane led charge successfully defended their title.

Hazard recently said he wants a new challenge, and only a brave man would bet against the Belgian leaving England for a pasture new.

His signing will certainly signal a post-Ronaldo Madrid, but is one that may not offer much excitement after all.

Pacy, tricky, good at take-ons and dribbling, but Eden Hazard is certainly not a scoring type, much less a 50-goal player. Real Madrid should therefore reconcile themselves with the fact that there will never have another Cristiano Ronaldo. Ever again.

The 27-year old World Cup star has been a subject of transfer speculations, with the Camp Nou and the Santiago Bernabeau being touted as likely favourites, even though Chelsea new manger Sarri may wish to keep hold of the former Lille star at least for another season, or maybe until the club could get a suitable replacement which looks unlikely at the moment.

"After six wonderful years at Chelsea it might be time to discover something different,” he said in St Petersburg. “Certainly, after this World Cup. I can decide if I want to stay or go, but Chelsea will make the final decision if they want to let me go. You know my preferred destination", Hazard said recently when questioned about his plans ahead of the new season.

Manchester United winger Anthony Martial is being linked with a summer switch to Stamford Bridge as replacement for the Belgian should he sees through his move away from the club, per reports.

With 69 goals in 208 Premier league appearances, Eden Hazard has since became a fans' favourite at the Bridge, but the lack of champions league football next season could well motivate a move as the 27-year old is yet to win the coveted prize in club football.