It is of little surprise that Isco played a starring role in Spain’s 3-0 win over Belarus, scoring a beautiful opening goal in the process. But in this, his first ever start for the senior side, it is a little perplexing that one of the country’s best young talents has pulled on the La Roja jersey so few times.
The summation of Isco’s full international football barley amounted to 90 minutes before yesterday’s match – hardly enough time to definitively convince Vicente del Bosque of his abilities.
So following a number of injuries to key players, the Coach gave him a chance and Isco did not disappoint. Playing in a left midfield position reminiscent of the one he was pushed into for Real Madrid when Gareth Bale was out injured, he scored the pick of the goals and looked lively throughout, coming off to a standing ovation from those present at the Estadio Nuevo Colombino.
Despite his immense talent, it is easy to forget that he is still a young man. Aged just 22, Isco has played for Spain’s Under-21 side for a number of years, with much success. He and his young cohorts took Europe by storm, as they romped to the European Under-21 title in 2013, with the midfielder scoring in the final and picking up the bronze boot.
Of course, his international appearances are somewhat dictated by his performances for his club. This year, despite the added competition brought about by the signing of James Rodriguez, the Madrid midfielder has impressed. There were even suggestions that he should permanently replace Bale in the side after a string of good performances in Bale’s absence. But it is quite clear that with everyone fit, Isco does not make the starting XI for Los Blancos.
That was very much the case last season. Isco was the most-used player for Real Madrid in Carlo Ancelotti’s first year. However that hardly tells the full story, as the playmaker hardly started for Madrid, amassing far fewer minutes than many and often emerging from the bench.
With such a talent pool from which to choose, Del Bosque has the enviable task of squeezing such talent into a squad of just 23 players. With Isco and several others well versed in the Spanish way after years in the youth system, many of the midfielders are talented, somewhat interchangeable cogs.
There was no need for Isco to be a part of the squad while David Silva, Andres Iniesta, Santi Carzola, Cesc Fabregas and many others were available. Del Bosque could afford to leave Isco with La Rojita, in the knowledge that Spain would cope, and his rapid development would continue.
With any other national side, he Isco would hve already amassed a number of appearances. In truth, the former Malaga man was only been afforded the opportunity to display his obvious talent due to a number of injuries to key players. And to his credit, Isco snatched his chance with both hands and given the boss something to think about.
Isco is exactly the type of player Spain needs – determined, energetic, hard-working, and most importantly, he has bags of talent. He is already good enough for Spain, and while he may find breaking into the Madrid side a Herculean task at present, Isco will surely be an integral part of the Spain side for years to come.
