Isco Continues to Shine for Spain – But is Out in the Cold at Real Madrid

Isco stands out for La Roja once more

After another impressive performance in Spain’s friendly against Germany, many were singing Isco’s praises again whilst scratching their heads as to why he can’t get into the Real Madrid starting XI.

Known as ‘Magia’ (Magic) in the dressing rooms of both club and country, it’s clear that the former Malaga ‘Golden Boy’ has creativity and work ethic oozing from every pore.

He continues to be important for Julen Lopetgui, and was confident, calm, assured and incisive during the game against Die Mannschaft.

As early as the second minute, he was chasing down loose balls, and trying to get involved at every opportunity. Indeed, his performance was almost the polar opposite of what we’ve seen from the player in the all white of Real Madrid recently.

Real system doesn’t suit the midfielder

In the system that Zinedine Zidane has settled on, there’s no place for the Spaniard, and as has been seen many times in the past, no matter who you are, if you don’t have the confidence of your coach, your performances will suffer.

A similar thing occurred at the beginning of last season, before a door opened and Isco forced his way through to become an integral part of the double-winning squad.

Which makes his absence at club level now even more baffling. With such an embarrassment of riches in midfield and attack, Zidane needed to make a choice of course, but it’s odd that the one player who can offer something completely different is the one who remains out in the cold.

A glimmer of hope for Isco may be the potential departure of the French coach at the end of this campaign. Whenever that situation has been broached behind closed doors at the Santiago Bernabeu, it’s alleged that Zidane has been stalling Florentino Perez.

That suggests he may decide to call it a day whether or not Real win their third Champions League trophy in a row – an unprecedented achievement in the modern era.

Could that encourage Isco to stay in Madrid? It’s a moot point, but he had no shortage of offers the last time it appeared he was fed up with life in the Spanish capital.

Could Isco be Premier League-bound?

After visiting Alvaro Morata in London earlier this year, one might suspect that Chelsea could potentially be his next destination. With Luis Enrique being put forward as the Blues new coach for 2018/19, a man who knows all about what Isco brings to the party, it’s certainly a possibility.

As is Manchester City with Pep Guardiola another admirer. In many respects Isco would be a perfect fit at the Etihad Stadium.

One also can’t rule out either Arsenal or Liverpool, who both were interested in acquiring his services during the last transfer window.

Watch this space!