In this system, Real Madrid would play much like they did this past season. A diamond midfield with Casemiro as the rock, Kroos and Modric the heart, and Isco the creative spear; a high pressing defense with fullbacks flying forward; and a forward duo that create for each other. In the 17/18 season, Ronaldo played as a LF, slightly coming from outside to come onto passes from the selfless Benzema time and time again. Even though Benzema didn't score that much, he did an immense amount of work and helped create a lot of Ronaldo's chances. If Real are to buy Neymar, they'll need to replicate this same formula.

Now, in the squad I've made, I put both Neymar and Hazard in it, but for now, let's assume Hazard isn't there, and rather, Benzema is. This could work exactly for Neymar as it did for Ronaldo this past season: Benzema creates chances and Neymar would finish them. Easy peasy, right? In essence, this particular path would make a lot of sense, but perhaps the fans of Madrid would feel it as lackluster. Due to his playstyle, Benzema is misunderstood by a majority of the fan base and many have been calling out for his departure. To add to that, he's already 30 years old and not getting any younger. While this scenario would make the most sense for the team, it's the most unlikely because the influential fan base of Real Madrid would melt if Benzema were to start another season.

In comes option number 2. Instead of playing Benzema, why not play Bale? Two wingers-made-forwards playing together as the crux of Real's attack. This would work...if it wasn't for the fact that it was already tried. Under Zidane, Ronaldo and Bale were experimented up top together on a few occasions and its results were disastrous. Both Bale and Ronaldo were too selfish to play to the other at times when they should've and just overall didn't jell well. Granted, Neymar isn't the exact same player Ronaldo is, but he certainly isn't known for his selflessness (just ask Cavani). The Neymar-Bale partnership could work and I could be wrong, but if history tells us anything, it's a partnership that should be avoided.

If you're thinking that this formation isn't required for Neymar and that Real could play in a 4-3-3, keep in mind that Lopetegui loves Isco and WILL start him, but knows better than to start him over Kroos, Casemiro, or Modric, therefore, the team would need 4 midfield spots unless Isco was played as a false nine (which he won't be) or is played on the wing [see my squad "Real Madrid under Lopetegui (Kane, Icardi, or Mbappe version)"].

Option number 3 sees us get rid of Neymar and now we have Hazard. Hazard is the PERFECT candidate for the Benz role in this team. He's selfless when it counts, incredibly skillful, and a work horse up top. He could play with Bale and allow Bale to take over that Ronaldo role, while Hazard sticks to what he knows. Hazard would be an improvement in all areas on Benzema and would allow this system to be kept in order. The only problem with this is Bale; more specifically, Bale's fragility. As seen throughout his Real Madrid career, Bale is subject to injuries. Should Real obtain Hazard and Bale get injured after the transfer window, Madrid would have put all their eggs into one broken basket. Other than Asensio, there is no other player at Real who could fill that role. If Asensio is ready for the task, then there's no problem, but if he isn't ready, Real would be in trouble. After saying that, though, I believe this is the best and most realistic option for Real and I think it's what they should pursue.

ALTHOUGH, there is one more possibility :) In a perfect world, Real could have Neymar AND Hazard. Even though this would mean the end of Bale's career at Real, it would mean that Madrid would be set in the attack for years to come. Hazard creating goals, Neymar scoring them, and an Asensio on the bench who could play in either role. As far as dream scenarios go, this is the one all Madrid fans should drool over. Too bad it's just not going to happen...right? I'll keep my fingers crossed just in case.

All of this being said, it's all under the assumption that Ronaldo is leaving and that Madrid could willingly get whatever players they wanted. It could be that Ronaldo doesn't leave or that Real would go for another player [see my squad "Real Madrid under Lopetegui (Kane, Icardi, or Mbappe version)" https://sofifa.com/squad/315806 ]. All in all, this is a very interesting situation to observe and I just hope Real Madrid get what they need to get back on top!