What to make of Isco’s comments about Real Madrid
By Ben Sundock
Following a record-breaking performance Tuesday against Argentina, Real Madrid midfielder Isco made some jaw-dropping comments about his role at the club right now. What does this mean for the Spaniard’s future and should fans be worried?
“When a player isn’t getting recognition or regular playing time at their club, being with the national team gives breathes life into them,” Isco said following the 6-1 win over Argentina Tuesday.
“At [Real] Madrid, I don’t have the kind of confidence which every footballer needs. Maybe the problem is me, I haven’t been able to win him over with the great players there are in the squad. I want to show him (Zidane) what I am capable of”.
These two comments made by the ‘bandy legged-bandit’ have brought many Real Madrid fans to fear for the worst; Isco departing the club in the coming year due to lack of starts this season.
While some may argue that he has received plenty of playing time this season, making 36 appearances in all competitions, the Spanish international is still unhappy.
That frustration boiled over to the point of Spanish national team manager, Julen Lopetegui, commenting on the situation himself following the match against Argentina.
“I’m not going to talk about Real Madrid and Zidane’s decisions. I haven’t learned anything new with Isco’s performances, I’m so pleased to have him with us. I hope that he will be happier with his club in the next two months and then join up with us again.”
To date, Isco has played the 11th most minutes on the team with the likes of Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema having played more than the midfielder despite both missing extended periods of time with injury.
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When the news broke late Tuesday of what Isco said, I was shocked. I would never have thought he was unhappy at the club because I haven’t noticed him being left out of the squad very often, especially in the last two or three months.
There is a trend that has appeared during Zidane’s tenure as manager. He is stubborn when it comes to modifying and rotating his core midfield players. For the better part of two seasons, he has selected Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Casemiro to form the middle line of the formation with little change to the strategy.
Players like Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio have managed to break into the starting lineup thanks to their attacking prowess and ability to play as wingers.
However, with players like Marcos Llorente and Dani Ceballos being natural midfielders that cannot make that switch, they have seen a lack of minutes and both have pushed for a transfer over the summer.
I hope that Isco will not go down the same road as the two young midfielders. His all-around skill and ability make him one of the best talent’s Real Madrid have on their squad.
Next: Marcos Llorente will leave Real Madrid this summer
Yes, his form has been lacking lately in the league with fewer goals and assists than we saw last season, but that does not mean Isco has digressed as a player.
Let’s hope that these comments wake up Zinedine Zidane and he gives Isco more regular playing time because he definitely deserves it.