Why Real Madrid Does Not Need Pogba or Hazard

With the next two transfer windows seemingly unavailable due to a one-year ban from FIFA, many thought Los Blancos would take the initiative to bag big-money deals. Now, it goes without saying that Madrid are linked with nearly every talented player. Even if a player hits a remotely exceptional patch of form, writers everywhere tend to report stories, some vaguely true but mostly not. Most notably, Madrid has been heavily linked with Paul Pogba from Juventus and Eden Hazard from Chelsea. Despite the strengths of both players, respectfully, Madrid does not need these two footballers. Here's why.

Mateo Kovacic, Casemiro, Lucas Vasquez, though not as famous or popular as trademark Galactico signings, all understand their role as supplement players to the squad. That is not even mentioning the likes of Jese and James as options on the side when Madrid's squad is fully fit, as well as talented gems the club has out on loan. Acquiring the services of both Pogba and Hazard would simply cause more selection headaches, and make Zizou's job to stabilize the club unnecessarily more difficult.

Paul Pogba is an industrial mid-fielder of all trades. He can score, assist, and has that flair and charisma that Madrid looks for. However, he is not as magical as many seem to view. I understand I am playing Devil's advocate here. He receives a tremendous amount of help from Claudio Marchisio on the defensive aspect. If it's not Marchisio, it may be Leonardo Bonucci, but the point is that a true defensive minded mid-fielder must facilitate Pogba's movement both on and off the ball. With Madrid already having creativity in abundance with Isco, James and company, adding another flair and attack-oriented player would upset the team's balance.

In addition, as talented as Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and associates are, they are not known for their defensive prowess. If Madrid managed to sign Paul Pogba, it would have a huge effect on the starting eleven. Why compromise the structure and balance of the team to accommodate one player? Who's place does he take? Madrid may rue the signing and the whole experience could be negative for both parties.

I have a similar stance on Eden Hazard. The Chelsea prospect's potential inclusion means unsettling the B-B-C, which many know is still a vital trident to Madrid's style of play. As Chelsea's demise this season was unpredictable in many ways, at the moment, Hazard has not earned the chance to sign for Real Madrid. For a club that boasts the biggest and best signings, his form this year has been abysmal. At times he has looked disinterested while playing for The Blues, and presently does not have the maturity to lead a team.  Arguably, all of the players in Madrid's starting eleven are of the highest order, leaders on and off the pitch, and faces for their country.

I understand that Madrid is also looking to prepare for a post-Ronaldo life and need candidates to fill the void once the Portuguese captain departs. However, is Eden Hazard that player? In this day and age, consistency is everything. The Belgian has been publicly called out due to his lack of defending under former manager Jose Mourinho. It should be noted that his defensive deficiencies cost Chelsea in critical stages in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid and PSG. As Zidane calls for his front three to defend without the ball, this could pose future problems between player and coach. Though Zizou holds the Chelsea number ten in high regard, a move at this point for Eden Hazard seems extremely premature.

So in conclusion, both Paul Pogba and Eden Hazard have potential for greatness. When in the right environment, Pogba can look like a magical, athletic mid-fielder who is scoring, defending, assisting, and more. The reality however, is that he receives a more than ample amount of help from his supporting cast, who do not grab the headlines. Madrid, in essence, would have to make sure they take Pogba's style of play into consideration before throwing him in the starting eleven. Eden Hazard on the other hand had a great year with Chelsea when they won the league title in England. However, his performances have dropped dramatically this season under both Mourinho and Guus Hiddink. The gist is that he has not warranted a move to the Bernabeu just yet.