Real Madrid: 5 most important players heading into 2019-2020

1. Eden Hazard

But Real Madrid’s most important player for the upcoming season is their big-money acquisition, Eden Hazard. For years, Hazard carried Chelsea on his back as their best player, and he was especially burdened by his attacking supporting cast over the last few years.

Since Diego Costa left after a fight with Antonio Conte, Hazard hasn’t been able to work with a top striker. That will all change at Real Madrid, who boast two legitimate world-class talents in 20-goal veteran Karim Benzema and future 30-goal ace Luka Jovic.

Hazard led all of Europe in assists last season and is arguably the world’s best player at creating chances. A magical dribbler with a low center of gravity that makes it impossible to pick his pocket, Hazard’s low crosses and cutbacks alike provide defenders with nightmares. And when he’s not setting up teammates, he’s just as likely to slot home with his shooting range and deadly finishing inside the box.

Although Hazard is a left winger by favored position, the man can play anywhere and will likely move across the formation at Real. He’ll confuse defenses, open up opportunities for others and potentially form a deadly attacking triangle on the left with Benzema and Isco. And if Vinicius Junior can get going again, the 19-year-old Brazilian and the 28-year-old Belgian could form one of the world’s top three winger partnerships.

Hazard holds the keys to Real’s chances of returning to Champions League glory next season, and it’s safe to say he stands a good chance of making the Real fans who chanted for Kylian Mbappe at his unveiling regret their lack of professionalism.