5 players experts say could replace Eden Hazard at Chelsea

Reports everywhere are saying Real Madrid could steal Eden Hazard away from Chelsea and football experts all over have been talking about who can replace him.

There has been so much speculation and talk about this that it was tough to narrow down the 50 odd players everyone has mentioned, down to the best five options.

I decided to narrow the list down to the top 5 players that fit close to Hazards style of play or can fit Antonio Conte’s current system.

So with that, let’s take a look at the 5 best players experts say could replace Eden Hazard at Chelsea

5. Arda Turan (Current Club Barcelona)

In 29 games this season, Turan has made a startling 20 goal contributions, with 13 goals and 7 assists in all competitions. Those compare favorably with Hazard, with the Belgian involved in 16 goals for Chelsea in 31 appearances this season.

4. Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco

Carrasco could replace his Belgian teammate Hazard at Chelsea

Carrasco has racked up 2553 minutes on the pitch in 41 appearances this season, being involved in a goal every 213 minutes. That’s a smidgen better than his national teammate, as Hazard is involved in a goal every 220 minutes for The Blues.

3. James Rodriguez

James Rodriguez looking likely to leave Real Madrid

With 17 goal contributions (12 assists, 5 goals) from 24 games, James is only marginally better than Hazard in numbers, but they do not do justice to the fact that his involvement occurs once every 263 minutes, which Hazard betters comfortably

2. Angel di Maria

Angel di Maria could look to restore his reputation in the Premier League with the Blues

Hazard (220) is involved in a goal more often than Di Maria (263), but the Argentinian has out-assisted the Belgian this year (9 goals, 10 assists), with the giant caveat being that Di Maria plays in Ligue 1. Di Maria’s quality is not in question though, and under the right system, he could thrive in the Premier League.

1.Neymar Jr.

Neymar may very well leave Barcelona to escape the shadow of Messi

Neymar has already spoken of his desire to move to the Premier League:

I like the playing style and the teams. I admire Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool – these are the teams that are always fighting for the title. Who knows? I’d like to play there.

With 23 assists and 14 goals to his name already, Neymar is already a statistical upgrade over Hazard. When free from Lionel Messi’s shadow Neymar has shown his prowess