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Eden Hazard, Kylian Mbappe or Isco — Who will inherit Real Madrid No.10 shirt when James Rodriguez leaves?

Colombian signed after 2014 World Cup but will almost certainly leave Bernabeu this summer and vacate number

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JAMES RODRIGUEZ looks almost certain to leave Real Madrid this summer.

The Colombian has been at the Bernabeu since 2014, but is firmly a second string player under Zinedine Zidane.

James Rodriguez looks certain to leave this summer and vacate No.10 shirt
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James Rodriguez looks certain to leave this summer and vacate No.10 shirtCredit: EPA

When he does finally depart, he will vacate the hallowed No.10 shirt.


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But is likely to inherit it from Rodriguez?

Real Madrid will be looking to bring in a top name in the summer.

While there are so players within the squad who could step up.

Here, we take a look at the potential candidates.

Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard has been incredible at Chelsea and has attracted interest from Real Madrid
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Eden Hazard has been incredible at Chelsea and has attracted interest from Real MadridCredit: Rex Features

Chelsea’s No.10 has enjoyed another sensational campaign, and is heavily courted by Real Madrid.

Zidane has made the Belgian one of his top targets this summer.

Should Hazard make the move, he would have the right shirt to match his talents waiting for him.

Isco

Isco's performances in 2017 have seen him become one of most vital players
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Isco's performances in 2017 have seen him become one of most vital playersCredit: Getty Images

He’s been arguably Real Madrid’s best player in 2017, and has hugely benefitted from Zidane’s rotation policy.

Isco has been a matchwinner for the ‘B-team’ in La Liga, and it was his goal which secured a passage to the Champions League final.

The Spain international’s future looked in question, but now looks set to become a vital member of the side going forward.

Mesut Ozil

Mesut Ozil could return to Real Madrid and re-inherit the No.10 shirt
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Mesut Ozil could return to Real Madrid and re-inherit the No.10 shirtCredit: Getty Images

German playmaker vacated the No.10 when he left Real Madrid for Arsenal.

And now Ozil could be ready to leave the Emirates with his contract set to expire next summer.

A return to the Bernabeu could be on the cards, as he looks to rediscover his best form.

Marco Asensio

Marco Asensio is a star for the future at Real Madrid and will have big part to play
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Marco Asensio is a star for the future at Real Madrid and will have big part to playCredit: Getty Images

His emergence has been one of the stories of the season for Real Madrid.

Asensio has shone is already being billed as the club’s future.

If he continues to improve, he could become the new star for club and country.

Previous Real Madrid No.10s

James Rodriguez — 2014-present
Mesut Ozil — 2010-13
Lassana Diarra — 2009-12
Wesley Sneijder — 2008-09
Robinho — 2005-08
Luis Figo — 2000-05
Clarence Seedorf — 1996-99

Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe's breakthrough season has made him a target for Real Madrid
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Kylian Mbappe's breakthrough season has made him a target for Real MadridCredit: EPA

Football’s new boy wonder will likely move to the Bernabeu if he leaves Monaco this summer.

Mbappe has been sensational as the French principality side clinched a first Ligue 1 title in 17 years and reached the Champions League semi-finals.

At just 18, he may yet stay at the Stade Louis II for another season at least, but Florentino Perez sees him at the next ‘Galactico’.

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