Real Madrid: Question Corner #5

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MADRID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 01: Isco of Real Madrid chats with head coach Santiago Solari during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Valencia CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 1, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images) /

Will Solari give Isco a chance?

Before I answer this question let me take my bias and put it in my pocket quickly. I do believe that he does deserve a bigger chance. Isco has been with Real Madrid for six seasons now, and we’ve seen him grow and develop his game under different managers and systems that have been implemented.

Under Santiago Solari, I do not believe he has been given that same courtesy. You could follow the saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” but look at the transfers of Real Madrid in the last 10 years and you’ll see that this is a team that is always trying to excel and will surprise you in regards to who thought was indispensable.

There are plenty of performances where Isco has been a standout player. His work on the ball is wonderful, from neat passes to buildup of play. Taking a look at the minutes, Isco has participated in 24 fixtures this seasons of which 13 have been as a substitute. As a result of his limited playing time, Isco ranks 15 (excluding goalie Thibaut Courtois) in minutes played with a total of 1, 158. Often times he has been substituted on with less than 15 minutes to go, which is hardly enough time to make an impact on a match.

In addition, it would be wise for Solari to work Isco into the starting XI. Real Madrid is still in the running for three titles irrespective of how realistic it may seem. Leaving a player of his talent on the bench could cause more damage than good. Putting it simply, players are like tools, some are better than others depending on the job which in this case is the team. Having several strong lineups is more effective than just one, take a look at what Zidane did. It was his ability to look down the bench for depth which made Real Madrid so successful during his tenure.

If Isco does not get the minutes it is likely that he will request to leave Real Madrid despite his love for the club. For the most part, Isco is a fan favorite, especially by Spaniards due to his participation of the Spanish National Team. Seeing him walking out of the Bernabeu would be a blow.

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