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Real Madrid might have clinched their third consecutive UEFA Champions League title in May, but clouds of uncertainty have already been formulated about their future as it looks ambivalent, if not bleak.
Cristiano Ronaldo - a player, an inspiration, a true legend, a force that has driven them to the European glories has finally left the Madrid-based club for Juventus.
When Ronaldo hinted his time at Real Madrid had come to an end, little did we know that he was speaking the truth. We blamed him, we called him petulant, but we never expected him to leave Real Madrid, did we?
While Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Juventus opens a new horizon and an opportunity to bring back their former glory for Juventus and Serie A, it forces Real Madrid to finally come out of the dream they lived in, and find the replacement for the irreplaceable Cristiano Ronaldo.
In this article, we take a look at three players Real Madrid should at all costs if they don't need a debacle.
#3 Isco
Spain endured a horrible campaign in Russia as they were defeated by the hosts, Russia, in the Pre-Quarters.
However, Isco displayed authoritatively in the midfield and helped them get the better of the opponents in the middle of the park, if not in the attacking front.
Julen Lopetegui is Real Madrid's new coach and the Isco was a regular in Julen Lopetegui's Spanish squad.
Contrarily, Isco was not a regular for Real Madrid last season. He couldn't manage to get his place in the starting XI assured. Whenever Real Madrid played with a three-man midfield, Isco was never an option.
Ronaldo's departure leaves a huge gap at Real Madrid. Finding an apt replacement is going to be tough for Real Madrid, and Isco can't replace him.
Isco can ply his trade on a multitude of positions. He can play and impress as an attacking midfielder or a flashy winger.
Isco's ability to read the game, and find the target the man through the eye of a needle makes him suitable for Real Madrid's needs. His creativity, ability to dribble and move the ball forward is second to none.
He is adept at converting counter attacks to goalscoring opportunities. The 41 goals, he scored for Real Madrid from 240 matches, is a testament to his goalscoring abilities.
Hence, Real Madrid would do everything they could to keep this Spanish magician at their armours. They would be reluctant to sell Isco as they have already suffered from Cristiano Ronaldo's and Zinedine Zidane's exit.
Clubs have shown interest in Isco, but with Lopetegui at the helm, Real Madrid could convince Isco to stay, by assuring him of regular play time.
#2 Gareth Bale
Real Madrid signed Gareth Bale from Tottenham Hotspur, in 2013, for a then record transfer fee €100.8 million.
He was bought to replace Ronaldo at Real Madrid, but the Portuguese skipper, over the years, had managed to overshadow Bale.
While Bale suffered from injuries and spent his time in the hospital, Ronaldo went onto establish his legacy as the best player at the club.
Bale always played second-fiddle to Ronaldo and was not happy with his role at Real Madrid.
He even recommended he would leave Real Madrid this summer, but things have taken an unexpected twist now.
Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Bale prefer to play in the left wing, and it was the former who donned that position at Real Madrid. Bale was forced to play in the right-wing, but now. he has the chance to play on the left-wing.
Real Madrid wouldn't dare to sell Bale now. He showed match-winning abilities in the UEFA Champions League final, where he hogged all the limelight before Cristiano Ronaldo dropped a bombshell.
Real president Perez is still an admirer of this former Tottenham Hotspur player. Real Madrid have publicly denied their interests in Neymar Jr and Kylian Mbappe and are likely to snap up the services of either Harry Kane or Robert Lewandowski.
Both the aforementioned players are out-and-out strikers, and it emphasizes Real Madrid's need to retain Bale at all costs.
#1 Marco Asensio
It's quite difficult to cement a place in the star-studded Real Madrid squad, and Asensio has faced the same last season.
Despite managing to dazzle the audience coming in as a Super-Sub, thrashing the opponents whenever he got the chance, he was dwarfed by Real Madrid superstars.
A player of Asensio's calibre certainly needs playing time, and there are many clubs interested in signing him, but now is not the right time for Real Madrid to negotiate a deal.
A huge sect of the fans is unquestionably disappointed with Real Madrid letting Ronaldo go, a player who steadied their ship despite flaws being aplenty.
Asensio showed glimpses of his ability when he managed to form a lethal, formidable duo with Marcelo. The duo took the opponents out of the equation and helped Real Madrid register many crucial victories.
Asensio will evolve as a game-changer and one of the best, in the near future, with appropriate experience. All he needs is regular playing time, and with Ronaldo now out of the camp, he may get it.
Similar to that of Bale, Real Madrid can't afford to lose Asensio at this moment, He is one of the best youngsters in the world and can certainly take Real Madrid to another level if adequate support is provided.
Do you think these players will stay in Madrid? Sound off your opinions in the comments section below!
