Real Madrid: 3 reasons why Isco can be the guy

1. He owns the big games

Real Madrid players are often evaluated by how they play in the biggest games of the season, specifically El Clasico. There is no bigger match than the battle between La Liga’s heavyweights which occurs at least twice per campaign, and Isco was a standout in both Clasicos in 2019-2020.

In the first battle with Barcelona at the Camp Nou in December, Isco looked dangerous. His combination play and tactical awareness were key, and if the team’s end product were better, he could have picked up an assist. Per WhoScored.com, Isco finished the match with two key passes, three dribbles completed, and two fouls drawn in an all-action performance.

Isco was even better in the second Clasico and had two goals robbed from him by Marc Andre ter Stegen and Gerard Pique. Ter Stegen’s marvelous save to deny Isco a trademark curler will go down as one of the saves of the season.

Despite not scoring, Isco was the most dangerous attacking player on the pitch, even moreso than goal-scoring hero Vinicius Junior. Consistently threatening, Isco had a key pass, a foul drawn, and three dribbles completed.

Isco’s slick skills on the ball were on display in the 2-2 draw with PSG and the loss to Manchester City. Real Madrid didn’t win either game, but they outplayed both big European clubs and boasted Isco as their best player.

His ability to shine on the brightest stage is fitting of an important creative force in the Madrid lineup.