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Eden Hazard has been in spectacular form this year as with 7 goals, he is one of the top scorers for the ongoing season. His World Cup performance as well has been something that created a revelation amongst Belgian football fans. However, it looks like the magician can leave the Stamford Bridge after his contract expires next summer.
He is one of the most prolific Chelsea players of all time and has been a fan favorite for many of the non-Chelsea supporters as well. However, Sarri must start finding a replacement for Hazard as soon as possible to avoid any kind of hurdles if he is to leave next year or in January.
Five such players have shown similarities in the way Hazard functions on the pitch. Based on their skill set and abilities as footballers, they can be the picture perfect replacement for Hazard in the near future.
All Stats via Transfermarkt
#5 Leon Bailey - Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen's squad has produced some of the best and highly rated players so far this season and one such player has caught the attention of us all. Leon Bailey is an extremely fast, aggressive and prolific winger who can also play as a false 9 and has been linked with a move to Chelsea since the start of this particular season.
His ability to play on either side of the flank is what makes him an extremely prolific football player, something that Hazard is capable of as well. The €40.50million rated winger could be moving to a club that has more to offer, and Chelsea seem like a perfect destination for the Jamaican. Bailey's dribbling and playmaking abilities too have drawn interests from other big clubs in Europe such as Liverpool. He can surely move to a new club in January, and the Stamford Bridge seems the right destination.
#4 Wilfried Zaha - Crystal Palace
The 25-year-old was considered as a 'flop' while he was a Manchester United player, but Zaha has surely grabbed some attention after he joined Palace. With a brand new position and extremely quick legs, Zaha can surely be heading to one of the top clubs in Europe in no time at all.
While interests have been shown from Arsenal, Chelsea can do themselves a favor and sign the €30million attacker in order to replace Hazard. With his arrival, Zaha can combine with the likes of Willian and N'Golo Kante in order to build one of the best-attacking teams in world football. He is known predominantly for his dribbling abilities, the inclusion of tricks in his style of play and switching to an attacking-third role when needed. Surely, Crystal Palace will have to ask for a lot more than what he is rated as he seems to be an extremely important player for them.
#3 Florian Thauvin - Marseille
The world-cup winning 25-year-old winger has been a sensation this season as he has scored 10 goals in 11 Ligue 1 appearances, making him one of the top scorers of the ongoing French League. Thauvin is predominantly known for his pace and the ability to play up at any attacking position. He can also be deployed as a central attacking midfielder and is one of the hottest talents in Ligue 1.
Thauvin has already been linked with a move to the Stamford Bridge and is cited as a possible replacement for Eden Hazard for obvious reasons. His ability to read the game and providing depth is a trait that he shares with the Belgian. While he can play on either side of the flanks, Thauvin prefers playing on the left, from where he can score more goals.
Likewise, it would be tough for Maurizio Sarri to secure his signature as the £45.00million rated winger seems to be an extremely important player for his current side.
#2 Hirving Lozano - PSV Eindhoven
Lozano has been a sensation ever since Mexico were able to defeat Germany in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where his goal created a mini-earthquake back in his home country. Ever since the 23-year-old has been chased by the likes of Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur. Known for his pace and creativity, Lozano can surely be the perfect replacement for Eden Hazard due to similarities in styles.
His finishing ability as well makes him an extremely important goalscorer for PSV, which is why Maurizio Sarri will have to go on and exceed the current €40million price tag that Lozano is labeled with. With his arrival, the Mexican can be an effective immediate prowess, as he can play on at any attacking position.
However, he functions greatly on the left side where Hazard usually plays. Lozano's arrival can fill in the void left by Eden Harard.
#1 Anthony Martial - Manchester United
Martial has been in spectacular goalscoring form this season for Manchester United and has been able to shut the critics up. He is one of the most skilled players that Manchester United have as of now and he must continue to perform if he is to go on to the next level.
However, under the realm of Jose Mourinho, Anthony Martial has lacked the consistency that is required in order become one of the best footballers in the world. The Blues are already monitoring his situation and can offer Manchester United a deal in January to secure the Frenchmen's signature.
He can be more than just a perfect replacement for Eden Hazard, as he does play in the same position and has the finishing abilities like that of the Belgian. Surely, Martial can improve as a footballer if he is to join the Blues.
