Former Malaga wonderkid and Spain under 21’s top scorer in the 2013 European under 21, Isco, has become the summer transfer target of free spending Machester City and PSG. But should Isco leave the Spanish capital this summer in order to get more playing time?
Last summer Isco was approached by two heavy weights of Europe, Real Madrid and Manchester City. Flattered by the offer of nine time European Champions Cup winners, he signed a 5-year contract with Real Madrid. Los Galacticos are believed to have paid 30M Euros for the Spaniard as he was made Carlo Ancelotti’s first signing as manager of the capital outfit.
Initially there were doubts surrounding Isco and his prospects of earning regular first team football with Real. Kaka and Ozil were still in the club’s ranks. By then, in many people’s opinion Isco had made the wrong choice by opting Madrid over City.
But with Ozil and Kaka’s departure, Isco’s future at Madrid seemed pretty secure. Everyone expected him to take up central attacking midfielder role vacated due to Ozil’s deadline day exit.
In Malaga, Isco played as CAM controlling and dictating Malaga’s play in the final third. With the Spanish under 21 side, he showed the world his full potential, scoring and assisting on numerous occasions.
As expected Isco started a few games for Real Madrid in September and October. But 4-2-3-1 formation was not successful for Madrid and Ancelotti changed his system to a 4-3-3.
Midfield was split with Alonso playing deep and Modric and Di Maria playing directly behind the striker, Benzema. Bale and CR7 flanked on either side of the French number nine.
This formation favoured possession play along with continuous attack. Defensively, Madrid started conceding less goals and they established a 32 game unbeaten run (eventually ended by Barcelona in the Classico held a few weeks ago).
Due to all these reasons Isco found it hard to break into the starting eleven. He has so far made 25 appearances for the Los Blancos and has scored 7 times.
Ancelotti stated that Isco was not used to play in 4-3-3 formation and it would take time for Isco to get used to the new set of tactics. But Isco seems to be unhappy to be named as a sub for every match. After all Isco is not a player who deserves to be on the bench all the time. He needs to be given a chance to prove himself worthy of playing for the Galacticos.
Rumours say that Real Madrid are ready to offload Isco and they have set a price of 25M Euros. Manchester City and PSG are the teams ready to buy the talented Spaniard.