Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Real Madrid left a huge hole, one that will be difficult to fill, as is always the case when a great player moves on. It was the case in Manchester United back in 2008 when the same player left for Madrid.
In Manchester United's case that hole was never filled, not for lack of trying to, but the boots always felt too big for anyone to fit in to. There is the signing of Angel Di Maria, academy product Adnan Januzaj and more recently Alexis Sanchez.
So there is indeed a possibility that a replacement to fill those huge boots left behind nay never be achieved. Since Ronaldo's departure different names have been mentioned; Neymar, Mbappe, Hazard some say Gareth Bale is prime to lead Real Madrid on. That it's his time to show what stuff he is made of. While Neymar, Mbappe appear to be decent options, I don't agree with Bale being made the Successor.
Gareth Bale arrived Madrid in the Summer of 2013, five years ago, and he hasn't still convinced most that indeed he is the Man. Yes he is a great footballer, but at 29 I don't think he should be the successor to a 33 year old. Madrid should plan more for the future, while there may be a strong case for him being the new king, I would be rooting for Asensio or Vinicius, maybe both.
In Asensio and Vinicius, Real Madrid got an exciting Duo who can light up the future, players who they can build the future around.
In Real Madrid's recent Preseason match against Juventus after Bale was withdrawn, these starlets (both second half introductions) showed what the could both give Madrid. Vinicius direct running was the catalyst which led to Asensio, finding the net, Asensio also grabbed a second ensuring that Madrid get another preseason win.
In a summer transfer window where outrageous transfer prices are mentioned for the cost of getting what a club would want, the services of Neymar, Mbappe or Hazard doesn't appear to be any closer. Lopetegui should work with Gareth Bale as a Lieutenant while he prepares the Princes to one day fight for the right to take the throne.