Top 5 replacements for Cristiano Ronaldo

The intertwined beauty of football with its players has seldom resulted in a perfectionist. A glaring faux pas of every soul has never been more revealing than in football when the ninety minutes brings out everything you have to offer to this world.A petite argentine playing in Barcelona would account for one of the players while the other would be the genius exhibiting his talents at Real Madrid. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of the greatest players of the modern generation have given us so much that the prospect of their departure doesnt seem digestible.Cristiano Ronaldos years at Real Madrid have seen him evolve into a ruthless footballer who can tear apart any team without the lightest touch of mercy. A modern footballer could be exemplified into his stature should one consider them for perfection, for that is one way to describe Ronaldo. An extraordinary player whose distinction is matched only by Lionel Messi.Leaving Messi aside, let us take a moment to look at the possible players who could assume Ronaldos position in the world of football the day he steps down. Currently 29, I should say that day we are dreading is fast approaching:

#5 Antoine Griezmann

Just 23 years of age, he has made 172 appearances for Real Sociedad over a period of five years. He is already touted by many as a potential replacement for Frank Ribery in the French National side. Having scored 45 goals for his club, Antoine Griezmann is one of the hottest prospects in Europe currently.

Ball control, acceleration and dribbling are his main strengths and he possesses a devastating turn of pace which can leave any opponent rooted to their spot. Primarily playing on the left wing, just like any other player in the modern game, he can play anywhere across the front line.

Although his physicality is questionable, his other traits make up more than his lack of physicality. And should Perez look to work within Spain for a replacement for Ronaldo, Griezmann would potentially be the marquee at the top of the list.

#4 Jese Rodriguez

Likened to Ronaldo ever since his rise to prominence, Jese would be an interesting exclusion to Real Madrid’s policy should they decide on him taking up the arduous task. A potential hole in their budget could be avoided if Jese is made the next ‘Ronaldo’.

At 20 years of age, Jese has shown tremendous potential and lived up to it on big occasions. His rise to prominence around the world was in the earlier part of this season when he reduced a 2-0 deficit for Real Madrid by scoring a goal against Barcelona in the El Clasico. The injuries to Bale and a few suspensions gaveJese the license to start and he did a lot to warrant his place in the team.

Vincente Del Bosque had been seriously considering him for the World Cup, only for an injury to stop it. Some of his key traits such as pace, acceleration, and shot power show an exact likelihood to Cristiano Ronaldo and the similarity is far too much to be ignored.

While he is primarily a right winger, he can play anywhere across the line and offers a potent goal threat. Being Spanish, he has imbibed the technical style as well as direct football to add to his versatile armoury. Able to shoot with both feet, he is one of the best youngsters in the world currently.

And we may well see him take Real Madrid to great heights in the future.

#3 Marco Reus

The lone star that would be at Dortmund next season, should they not replace Lewandowski with anyone. Marco Reus, is probably one of the most dangerous footballers in Europe when it comes to Champions League football.

Not in the sense that he scores goals, but in the way he plays. A player with a direct style of football, he is the thorn that pricks every opposition. At full speed, Marco Reus is nearly unstoppable and has a boisterous shot to complement his pace. HE is a player who can terrorize any defense in Europe.

It wasn’t a surprise when the tabloids linked him to every top club in the summer. After all, he is one of the most sought after names in Europe. Rather than the technical side, his raw ability gives him an edge over his counterparts in most teams. Due to his positional brilliance, his goal output is very high and he has an even higher rate of earning fouls.

He possesses what’s necessary for any top player and it should be no surprise if Dortmund lose their best player to the Los Blancos in the next couple of years. He would make a great replacement for Ronaldo.

#2 James Rodriguez

'El Nuevo Pibe’, as he is called has been a revelation in the past couple of years. James Rodriguez is probably the most eligible successor for Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid. At 22 years of age, James plays at Monaco and was bought for 45 million euros.

A technically astute player, he is most suited to the role of a playmaker or a winger, both of which he can play equally well. Rodriguez possesses a selfless style of play and is extremely creative. His stats show a high surge in this aspect of his game. While excelling at Porto and taking the center stage at Monaco, his lack of exposure to playing for a big team in a big league is what has left him out of the limelight.

Often overshadowed by Radamel Falcao, he will have the chance to prove his worth in gold as he is the focal point of his team in this world cup. Falcao’s injury leaves it to Rodriguez to carry Colombia in the World Cup and I should say many expect him to do so.

The fact that he is rarely portrayed in the media gives him a chance to prove himself without much pressure. Should he advertise himself on the biggest stage this summer, I am nothing but certain Perez would come calling at his door to replace Ronaldo.

#1 Eden Hazard

If there was one man who could say that he would rival Ronaldo’s time at Manchester United, it is Eden Hazard. Arriving with a hefty price tag of 32 million, there is little that Hazard hasn’t done so far. While replacing Ronaldo might be something not that easy, you could only expect him to go at it face on.

He has been the primary reason behind Chelsea’s successful campaign and has nearly neutralized the lack of their strikers' impact with his brilliance. He has everything that could make him one of the best and is clearly one of the best in the current lot.

A technically gifted player, who can play anywhere across the front-line, dribbling and finishing are key aspects of his game. While there were early doubts about his physicality, he has put all those to rest and has become an integral part of the Chelsea team.

Save for Luis Suarez, he would be the best player in the Premier League and he is already there in the upper echelon and we could be seeing a man who is potentially the future of Real Madrid.