Spanish newspaper Marca ran an interesting front cover last week. It was an image of a gilded James Rodriguez with the caption ‘worth his weight in gold’. And it took a lot of gold to bring the Colombian to Madrid – about €80m.

Regardless, the image was apt given the starring role James played in Madrid’s 9-1 drubbing of Granada. He followed that up by finding the back of the net against Rayo Vallecano. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and after a shaky start, the Madrid faithful seem to be warming to their new star. James’ return sees Madrid more or less up to full strength but for a few bumps and niggles at a key point in the season.

Barcelona have already slipped up once, having drawn 2-2 with Sevilla on Saturday. With Atletico Madrid and Valencia still lying in wait, their rivals could still drop the necessary points to put Madrid in the driving seat. Players such as Rodriguez could be the difference between the title and nothing.

So what becomes of Isco? The Spanish playmaker has stepped up in James’ absence and impressed for both club and country. It wasn’t too long ago that the Spaniard was given the distinction of being named Football Espana’s Player of the Week after scoring a crucial goal against Deportivo La Coruna. At many other clubs, the 22-year-old would be the key man, the sole creative force. That looked very much the case when he came in from Malaga for big money to replace Mesut Ozil.

Rather unfortunately, Isco’s appearances for Madrid, though numerous, have been sporadic. This year he has benefitted greatly from injuries to key players, but will once again find himself nearer the bench than the pitch with the return of Rodriguez. Carlo Ancelotti was keen to emphasise the point that it wasn’t a question of one or the other, and that the two can play together.

In truth, it is a nice problem for the Italian to have. Competition is a good thing between players. That competition exists not only between the aforementioned attacking midfielders, but throughout the squad, each pushing the other further.

Certain positions – such as that occupied by Cristiano Ronaldo – are off limits. However, the rest are up for grabs. Danilo has just been plucked from Porto and the Brazil international will provide adequate competition to Dani Carvajal at right-back.

Luka Modric and Toni Kroos seem very much at home as the de-facto pairing in midfield, operating as a double pivot. But Lucas Silva was also signed for the club in January and will provide much competition for those two as well as Asier Illarramendi, who came to Santiago Bernabeu with a big price tag and small reputation compared to the other Galacticos.

Keylor Navas is always waiting in the wings and Jese Rodriguez’s return from serious injury also serves as a warning to Gareth Bale should he fail to put in worthy performances.

There is still much football to be played, and though Ancelotti will be reticent to rest too many of his key men with such big games on the horizon, it may be a necessity if he is to avoid losing anyone to injury.

Some say that competition is the essence of success and there are few clubs in the world that can boast both supreme talent and rigorous competition in their ranks, but Madrid are one of them and that can only be a good thing.

La Liga - Club News