Player Focus: Why Isco is Set for Greatness at Real Madrid

It’s no surprise that at 21-year old Isco finds himself at one of the best clubs in the world. His career trajectory thus far has been rapid and at Real Madrid, any ceiling that may stop him has been removed. A startling performance last season against Zenit St Petersburg in his first ever Champions League game showed that on the right stage, he can perform. The boy from Benalmádena is made for the biggest stages of them all, and few come bigger when you’re in the white shirt.

Since his move to Málaga two years ago, we’ve seen instant progression and development in his game. Whereas other youngsters like Iker Muniain, equally if not more highly rated by some, have stagnated badly.

It’s essential to contrast his two seasons on the Costa Brava, for they have made the player what he is today, all €30m of him. There was a freedom and youthful exuberance about his displays in his first season at Málaga, providing support for Santi Cazorla’s actions in midfield. It was not on Isco’s shoulders to control the team or carry them, instead it was just to be there.

He didn’t fail either, and by the end of the season, with Cazorla’s influence on the decline, it was Isco who stepped up to drive the team forward from an interior role on the left. He managed 5 goals and 4 assists along the way, which were impressive totals for Isco’s first full season in La Liga. Although his age might’ve excused errors and faults along the way, Isco maintained an 86.6% pass accuracy and was the third most frequent passer after Jérémy Toulalan and Cazorla.

The desire of the player to be on the ball is one his most admirable traits, and it’s why over time his attitude towards getting more involved and seeking out space has improved. During displays in which he’s been marooned out on the left with little allowance for movement, there is a frustration etched across his face.

Isco’s move to Madrid comes off the back of an important season with Málaga, which included the Champions League run and leading of a team devoid of stars. The Spaniard is affluent in driving towards the penalty area and throughout the final third, moving the ball to his right foot and slaloming through opponents.

It’s no surprise his drive was vital for Málaga as more than ever Isco began to roam centrally, connecting the attack and improving his decision making over the transitions. Indeed, a look at his average touches heat map (below) shows that the Spaniard drifted across the lines between midfield and attack, finding space to operate and instigate attacks. Meanwhile, an area in which he was weak, in terms of clinical actions in and around the penalty area, had improved staggeringly as he fired home 9 goals over the course of the season.

Although at first the Real Madrid midfield may seem packed with creative talents such Mesut Özil, Luka Modric, Kaká and Ángel Di María there is always room for one of a special variety. Isco, of course, is that.

Many questions last season were posed about the development of Madrid under José Mourinho and how the system hadn’t been developed despite a crucial signing in the form of Modric. For all of the Croatian’s talents, he doesn’t possess the ferocity of Isco in the final third and the former Spurs man will likely operate in a deeper role under Carlo Ancelotti.

Isco’s job will be to not only help formulate attacks, but also conclude them. Isco’s a player who can think on the spot, be it from static or mobile positions, making a quick action through his vision of the game. When Madrid’s play slows down he can bridge those gaps playing in such a manner creates, such as breaking through a deep defensive unit. Often they’ve come up against it, like in their loss to Granada last season, without a player capable of unlocking a defence from a different angle. Özil, as talented as he is, doesn’t possess the vertical exploitation in his game that Isco can offer against such defensively focused opponents.

Isco’s ability to operate on the counter attack, such a trademark of Madrid’s play, has been questioned too, but anyone that saw Málaga last season noticed Manuel Pellegrini’s system moved from possession to counter attacking with a solid base in a year. The departure of Cazorla created this. Isco’s combinations with the likes of Joaquin and Eliseu showed how devastating and decisive he can be on the break, darting off the channel or even picking the ball up in the centre circle.

Isco’s ability to shift gears quickly will be essential. At the Under-21 European Championships he showed his ability to go solo but also link with another creator in Thiago too, a somewhat subtle nod to the doubts about whether he and Özil can co-exist. Isco completed 24 dribbles of his 35 attempted at the tournament, more than any other player, showing that penchant for making things happen.

Noises out of Madrid suggest an Özil-Isco tandem is exactly what Ancelotti will aim to do, and the second line of three behind a striker will be extremely interchangeable.

Isco could also play on the advanced tip of a midfield three as his game develops and it’s where some see his future. There is no doubting he possesses the technique and vision to do so, and his tactical acumen improved massively under Pellegrini. The Chilean Coach asked for more from his young star in terms of sacrifice for the team, and understanding the team unit in the grand scheme of things. 4-2-2-2 in the second line and 4-3-3 as an interior are other possibilities, but for now working that second line of three appears most feasible.

“The world’s most prestigious club has to win playing spectacular football, to please the fans” Ancelotti declared in his opening statement as he began to warm up in Madrid’s hot seat. Few players in European are more exciting, gifted and spectacular than Isco.