Real Madrid: 5 key players to watch against Eibar

CM Isco

Like Thibaut Courtois, Isco has also been a magnet for criticism recently, and, as with the Real Madrid keeper, much of the criticism levied against the midfielder has been unfair.

Isco was only just returning from an injury when Zinedine Zidane started him as a midfield pivot alongside Casemiro against Mallorca, Yes, Isco was poor in a tough loss to a bottom-tier La Liga club, but his performance was exaggerated by frustrated fans. Moreover, Zidane was to blame for putting a player, who was less than 100 percent health-wise, into such an unideal situation for his skill-set.

Although he only entered the game as a substitute, Isco had a much better outing in the final minutes of the Galatasaray game. He had a defense-splitting pass for Karim Benzema and looked lively on the ball, showing off vintage form with some of his dribbles and cheeky touches.

Isco, at his best, was the most skilled Spanish player and looked like a future superstar. He’s scored some great goals in a Real Madrid shirt and has the talent to change the game in an instant. He may not start on Saturday against Eibar, but it would be a disappointment for him not to see the pitch after playing so well vs. Galatasaray.

Even if Zidane and Florentino Perez don’t see a future at the club for Isco, the least the could do is give him playing time so that the 27-year-old can audition for interested clubs around Europe.