Replacing Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid will be as difficult as replacing Cristiano Ronaldo. He was Real Madrid’s captain, leader, legend and he leaves a huge hole in the dressing room and in the centre of the defence.
The man who stepped up to replace Ronaldo three years ago was Karim Benzema, a French international already established at the club and with the quality to do the job.
His compatriot Raphael Varane might have been to Ramos’ departure what Benzema was to Ronaldo’s but he’s off too, bound for Manchester United - so Real Madrid are left with three candidates as they look to fill the void left by their inspirational skipper.