3 Real Madrid players making the most out of Copa del Rey opportunities

2. AM/CF Isco Alarcon

Isco got two off-the-bench appearances in both Copa games and he made a mark in both. In the game against Alcoyano, he got a lucky goal but he played an important part in getting to the right place and putting pressure on the goalkeeper into committing that mistake. The goal which seemed like an own goal to me was finally credited to Isco. Then again in the game against Elche, the Spaniard was even more intelligent when he equalized for Los Blancos after conceding the first goal in the first half of extra-time.

There were a couple of things Isco did right, firstly he managed to stay onside right in a poacher’s position in front of the goal. That is key to playing center-forward especially when your team desperately needs a goal. Second, he spotted Dani Ceballos’s pass/shot and the goalkeeper’s initial movement. He could thus, direct the ball in a different direction with a simple flick.

Apart from his goals, Isco’s overall game was impressive as well. He played for just 12 minutes in the game against Alcoyano completing all of his dribbles (4/4) and winning all of his duels (4/4). He had a lot more to play for against Elche. In 41 minutes he maintained a 94% passing accuracy and completed both his attempted long balls. He also won his side a free-kick. The sort of awareness he showed to score the equalizer showed that he still has a lot of football left in him. Rumored to leave the Spanish capital next summer, such displays from Isco will keep improving his case for a future at a competitive club.