Real Madrid: 3 stars to pair with Eden Hazard after Karim Benzema era

Real Madrid will soon look for a long-term striker to help Eden Hazard.

Karim Benzema is still the best striker in La Liga, but at the age of 32, his days as Real Madrid’s No. 9 of choice are numbered. The former France international likely has a couple of years left in him as a contributor, but it’s unclear how long he will be the first-choice starter.

He should remain the top option for the remainder of 2019-2020 and the full 2020-2021 season, but after the summer 2021 transfer window, all bets are off.

Until then, Hazard and Benzema should form a great partnership in the attacking third, based on what they accomplished together in the Fall. But after the Benzema era is over in Real Madrid, here are three future partners for Hazard.

Real Madrid ST Luka Jovic

Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic scored two goals with an assist in La Liga this past season despite mostly receiving brief cameo appearances off the bench that prevented him from fully getting into the rhythm of the game. It wasn’t easy for Jovic to earn playing time behind Benzema, who is a workhorse, but Jovic did have moments of brilliance.

The former top scorer at Eintracht Frankfurt, Jovic has all the physical tools and the team-first mentality to be a star for Real Madrid. Zinedine Zidane and the club remain high on Jovic, though the 2020-2021 season could be critical for him if Real are serious about pursuing the special Erling Haaland in 2021.