Real Madrid: Can Isco ascend to the top of the football world?

Four years ago, Real Madrid signed a young Spanish prospect for €35 million, Isco who was being linked with every top club in the world in 2013, moved from Malaga to Real Madrid. Since his arrival to Madrid, the Spanish midfielder has shown his incredible talent. But is he one of the best in the world?

That summer also saw Carlo Ancelotti join the club as well as the then world record transfer holder, Gareth Bale. Despite being the hottest young prospect in Europe at the time, Isco saw his move overshadowed by the ongoings of that summer.

Ever since his move, Isco found himself playing understudy to the fabled BBC, as well as often having to claw for minutes in the team, especially with players such as James Rodriguez coming in to add even more competition for a starting spot.

Isco’s first few years with the Spanish giants were not the easiest, a young upstart in the team bursting at the seams with talent; many were starting to wonder if Isco would get his chance to show the potential everyone knew he had.

As recently as late 2016 saw transfer rumblings in full flow with reports suggesting Isco was becoming unsettled with being the second fiddle and was contemplating a move away to seek first team minutes.

Everyone from Barcelona to Tottenham Hotspur began to come out of the woodwork to try and acquire the 25-year-old’s signature, however, an injury to Gareth Bale in a UEFA Champions League tie in November 2016 was where the tide began to turn.

Isco charged his way into the team bringing a dynamism that sparked an upturn in form across the field. His selfless ways fed goals through to the forward line, his dazzling dribbling taking a load off of the midfield and his attacking intelligence making him a huge nuisance for other teams.

In the first Madrid derby of the 16/17 season, Isco’s continual drifting between the lines was causing mayhem for the usually dogged defense of Atletico Madrid, despite Ronaldo taking the plaudits for his hat-trick in the game.

Not only was Isco lighting it up in the league but he was also becoming key to Real’s hopes of retaining the Champions League.

Against Atletico once again in the Champions League, Isco was key in the second leg as it was his goal that killed off any hope Atleti had following the early two goals they managed to get despite losing 3-0 in the first leg.

Isco also was a key element in bringing down the astute defense of Juventus.

His darting runs, ability to hold the ball, fantastic passing and hard work across the field had the defense on edge. It was this game that signalled the shift, Isco was initially the step in man until the Galactico signing, Gareth Bale, was fit enough to retain his starting place. However, even in his own hometown of Cardiff, it was Bale who had become the understudy to Isco.

Isco’s stellar display in the big games has become vital to Zidane’s plans. The man known as “Magic” to his teammates has elevated his game so vastly as of late that he is edging out the Galactico signings who usually garner the start based on their namesake and value.

Whilst the class of Gareth Bale is undeniable, Isco’s all around game is one of the largest driving forces behind this record breaking, era defining side.

His consistency has continued into this season – against Manchester United he was one of the standout performers on the pitch, scoring a tidy goal following some great one-two work with Bale.

He was also exceptional in the Super Copa first leg against Barcelona where Los Blancos ran out 3-1 winners in a very convincing performance. His sublime ball control, dizzying dribbling skills and team first play, once again led to results. His unsettling of the Barca midfield and defence led for him to make an assist for Cristiano Ronaldo on the game winning goal.

Isco’s ability is now beginning to garner him the attention worthy of a footballing superstar. He has ascended into the conversation for one of his teams best players and he seems to only be improving. Is it only a matter of time before we are talking about Isco as one of the best in the world?

Beyond his sublime talents, Isco also represents the new era of Real Madrid.

No longer does the team look to seek out the world’s most expensive players and biggest shirt sellers. Isco, combined with talents such as Marco Asensio, are paving the way for the future of Real Madrid. The summer signings also signified that change in policy, Dani Ceballos, Marcos Llorente, Theo Hernandez and Jesus Vallejo all came in.

Isco is already combining with Asensio to the devastating effect we’ve seen it numerous times as both players scored 20 goals combined last season. Zidane also clearly holds a lot of faith in Isco, giving him a role in the team where he is played in his best position and giving him the license to roam.

While he may have taken a couple of years to establish himself, Isco is a key cog in the future of Real Madrid and he is more than capable of becoming one of the worlds very best players.

Next: BREAKING: Real Madrid’s appeal of Ronaldo’s ban fails, Zidane in trouble

Stay tuned to The Real Champs for more news and updates!