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It would be difficult to say where Juventus would have been at this point of the season had they been without Cristiano Ronaldo. It has been more or less all Ronaldo for Juventus post the restart. As such, just like Real Madrid have in the recent past, Juventus are likely to find it extremely difficult to replace Ronaldo.
Amidst growing concerns that the Portuguese legend is becoming frustrated at Juventus and with age not being on his side, the Old Lady is well aware of the need of having a plan in place to replace the sheer productivity the former Real Madrid and Manchester United man brings to the side.
He has scored 30 goals from 31 games in the Serie A and has 5 assists to his name. He has also scored twice in the UEFA Champions League so far. These numbers are ridiculously good and that's exactly why replacing him is a near-impossible task.
Juve president Angelli had revealed towards the end of last year that the club is looking to inject close to €300 million to be invested in the transfer market. So Juventus are expected to have the money to make at least one big signing.
Anyway, without further ado, let's take a look at:
5 potential replacements for Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus
#5 Kai Havertz - Bayer Leverkusen
Kai Havertz, the Bayer Leverkusen attacker, is 5th on the list as he is not an immediate replacement. Havertz is quite close to joining Chelsea, according to reports. However, with his potential, it could only be a couple of years before he starts showing real signs of being a world beater.
The 21-year-old has been outstanding form for Leverkusen this season, scoring 12 goals and assisting 6 in the Bundesliga alone. In the Europa League, he has 3 goals and 2 assists from 3 games. His numbers are not ready to be in the same bracket as the Ronaldos and Messis and that's why he is one for the future.
Havertz is tall and is very strong in the air, just like Cristiano Ronaldo. He has excellent vision and can slalom past defenders with his fleet footedness. At 21 years of age, he is a pacy campaigner and an ever-present threat during counter attacks.
#4 Marcus Rashford - Manchester United
Nobody on this list perhaps resembles a young Cristiano Ronaldo like Marcus Rashford does. At 22 years old, he already has nearly 4 years of first-team experience and has truly come to his own this season under the tutelage of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Rashford would have been a serious contender for the Golden Boot had he not had to sit out for almost 7 games with a hip injury. Rashford's shooting technique is identical to Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo's and his knuckleball freekicks are not something Premier League goalkeepers love facing.
Rashford has 17 goals and 7 assists in the Premier League this term from 30 games. He has 22 goals in all competitions this season and is growing into a mature presence on and off the field for Manchester United - something that would excite Juventus.
However, Rashford remains an out-and-out Red Devil and for Juventus to prise him away from Manchester United will be no mean feat. Manchester United will make sure they don't part with one of their best young prospects without getting the money to buy another very special talent.
Also check out: Messi vs Ronaldo trophies
#3 Sadio Mane - Liverpool
Juventus have reportedly already registered an interest in Liverpool winger Sadio Mane. Mane, who has now won the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League title in consecutive seasons with Jurgen Klopp's side, is undoubtedly one of the most feared attackers in Europe.
Sadio Mane has scored 17 goals and set up 7 from 34 Premier League appearances this term and those numbers are likely to rise if he moves to the Serie A.
Mane is good with the ball at his feet and can beat a defender with ease. He is also a great finisher and can find the net with both feet. Mane likes to operate from the left side and there's almost no catching him once he turns on the afterburners.
However, at 28 years old, Mane might not be the best long-term option available to Juventus and he won't come for anything less than €100 million either.
#2 Raheem Sterling - Manchester City
Raheem Sterling is one of the best players in the Premier League and that has been the case for more than several years now. Though at times his finishing leaves to be desired, his sheer attacking prowess and the threat he poses every time he gets on the ball should impress anyone.
At 25 years old, he is also a long-term option for Juventus. However, at Manchester City, the Englishman is one of Pep Guardiola's most potent weapons and Juventus will need to break the bank and then some. But then again, if you're hoping to sign any proven player that can even come close to replicating the numbers of Ronaldo, there is no other option.
Sterling has scored 29 goals in all competitions this season for Manchester City and has been one of City's standout performers in a season where the Etihad outfit haven't quite hit the highs expected of them.
#1 Kylian Mbappe - Paris Saint-Germain
Amidst growing concerns that Kylian Mbappe, perhaps the best young talent to have come out of Europe in the past few years, won't reach the heights he can if he kicks on at Paris Saint-Germain in a largely pedestrian Ligue 1, the Frenchman is widely expected to leave the club in 2022.
Alongside Edinson Cavani, Neymar and Angel Di Maria, Mbappe has formed one of the most outrageous attacking quartets in Europe. Once Mbappe gets behind a defender, there simply is no catching up. His numbers continue to be otherworldly too.
The 21-year-old missed a chunk of the season but still from 20 appearances in the league, Mbappe has 18 goals and 5 assists. His stats in the Champions League are more impressive. From 4 starts and 3 substitute appearances, Mbappe has 5 goals and 4 assists.
There is no doubt that Mbappe can replicate those numbers for Juventus in the Serie A. However, he will not be available for anything less than €150 million and therefore, Juventus will need to break the bank and then some in order to sign him.
