Real Madrid: 3 players who need to step-up in the absence of Eden Hazard
Isco Alarcon
Note: Isco suffered a back injury in training on Friday after this article was submitted for publication. Hopefully, the injury is not serious, but he will not play at Huesca.
Isco has been restricted to the bench for most of the season and it didn’t come as a surprise considering how poor he has been since 2018. But Isco is one of the players in the squad who’s trusted by Zidane for the big games. Last year, when Isco was going through a similar phase, Zidane tried to revive the Spaniard by starting him in big games vs PSG, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Manchester City, most of the times when Hazard was out with an injury.
Who knows, the same thing can happen this time as well. It’s still believed by the Spanish Media that Zidane hasn’t lost his faith in Isco and counts on him, despite the rumours of Isco’s departure being circulated at the same time. If Isco is given a chance by Zidane, he has got to make it count. Zidane might for a 4-4-2 diamond with Benzema, Asensio, and Isco upfront, using Isco in his favourite position.
Isco is 28 now. For a player of his quality, he should be in his prime and be a starter at any club. But right now he is a fringe player at Real Madrid, and he has only himself to blame. His attitude hasn’t been well received by many, and a manager like Santiago Solari didn’t hesitate to bench him. He has been criticised a lot for his fitness, and there have been times where his commitment has been questioned. If he wants to revive his career, then he needs to be serious about his career and show greater commitment on and off the pitch.
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I would’ve mentioned Rodrygo as well, if not for his injury. Reportedly he is going to take another week or two to return to the squad list. Currently he is being seen as the most talented young winger of our team, by many of the fans. His return is going to be very important for Zinedine Zidane, since Rodrygo is someone who can play well on both wings. Hope he recovers soon and resumes from where he left off!