Six Real Madrid players called up to the Spanish national team for the 2018 World Cup
By Ben Sundock
Isco
Isco has been nothing short of godly for Spain the last 12 months. The free-roaming midfielder has been a key in helping the national team qualify for the World Cup and put them near the top of everyone’s list to make a deep run in the competition.
It would take far too long to make mention of all his incredible performances at the international level as of late, so I will condense it to just two.
The first match that comes to mind is his world-class performance against Italy during qualifying that helped secure Spain a spot in the biggest tournament in world football. A stunning free-kick and a nifty left-footed shot gave the Reds a two-goal lead that was too much for their opposition to overcome.
In his home stadium, the Santiago Bernabéu, Isco had the fans chanting his name nearly everytime he touched the ball.
His other phenomenal performance came against Argentina in March when Spain blew out Gonzalo Higuaín and company in the Wanda Metropolitano, 6-1.
The ‘bandy-legged bandit’ bagged a hat-trick in 52 minutes and scored the first three goals for his side, all of the fantastic plays in the box. His movement and fluid passing with his teammates had the Argentinians utterly lost.
Much like his previous four teammates, this will be his first World Cup appearance in his career. His senior career has been impressive to date, having played in 26 matches and scored 10 goals since making his debut in 2013.
Thanks to incredible play the last two seasons especially with Real Madrid, Isco was a shoe-in to be on the plane to Russia. Much like Sergio Ramos, the midfielder is all but guaranteed to be a starter heading into the group stage.
There are few players who can pass or dribble the way the 26-year-old does.
It should be thrilling to watch so many Real players represent their home country. They will be hoping to hoist the country’s second World Cup trophy ever, repeating the success of the 2010 team.