Spain have a rich tradition of producing brilliant midfielders over the years. The likes of Marcos Senna, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta, Mata, Silva and Fabregas to name a few have ruled the footballing world over the last decade.
The world first witnessed their collective brilliance in Euro 2008, when Spain dazzled us all and won their first international trophy in almost half a decade.
Possession football was taken to another level all together, as the likes of Xavi and Senna led the way for the next generation of brilliant Spanish midfielders.
Soon after that, Xavi was aided by Iniesta and Busquets as they formed the fulcrum behind Pep Guardiola’s all conquering Barcelona team.
In a few years time, Spain had completed the first ever Euro, World Cup and Euro hat trick of titles, placing them among the greatest sides to have ever played the game.
But their disastrous performances in the last two tournaments may have signaled the end of that glorious era.
Many people feel the decline of Spain co-incided with the decline of the great Barcelona team. Xavi has retired and Iniesta’s powers have been on the wane for some time now.
With Xabi Alonso also retiring, only Busquests remains from the magical quartet that led Spain to great heights. So who do Spain turn to now?
The answer lies in Real Madrid.
Isco was a hugely talented youngster when he moved from Malaga to Real Madrid four years ago.
The diminutive midfielder looked the part straight away, as his combination of brilliant technique along with show reel skills made him an instant hit among the Real Madrid faithful.
Over the last season, Isco has grown in stature and become the center piece of a brilliant Real Madrid side. Zidane placed Isco at the heart of the midfield, and the 25-year old has risen to the occasion.
While his performances in the second half of last season were brilliant, his start to this campaign has been nothing short of breath taking. He was named man of the match when Real Madrid faced Manchester United in the UEFA Super Cup a month ago.
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He took home another MoM award when Madrid beat Barcelona 3-1 at the Nou Camp shortly after that.
His magical displays have evoked comparisons with the likes of Zidane and Iniesta in their pomp, as the young man has arguably become the best midfielder in the world at the moment.
Last night’s performance against Italy showed that he can carry his form into the international stage as well. Although he has already won three Champions league titles, Isco has not yet represented Spain in an international tournament.
That is of course going to change in Russia next year. Isco has become the heart beat for Real Madrid and has shown signs that he could become the same for his country as well.
People are talking about Marco Asensio being the future of Real Madrid and Spain.
But if they need to pick up another world cup title in a year’s time, they will have to turn to the magical Isco. Asenio will be the future, but Isco is the present.
