Malaga midfielder Isco believes there is still no alternative to the duopoly of Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spanish football.
The youngster concurred with his boss Manuel Pellegrini after the 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid, a result that sent Los Rojiblancos level on points with Barca at the top, insisting it would be the big two that fight it out again for the La Liga title this season.
“I think the same as Pellegrini. Atletico and ourselves have begun well but there are two teams superior to the rest and there are no others that can fight them for the title,” Isco told Radio Marca.
Having observed Radamel Falcao at close quarters in Sunday’s reverse, Isco joined the topical debate about who is the world’s greatest footballer yet came down firmly on the side of Lionel Messi.
“Falcao, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are the best in the world but I’m sticking with Messi,” he asserted.
The 20-year-old went on to analyse Los Blanquiazules’ impressive start to their Champions League and La Liga campaigns, while maintaining he turns a deaf ear to talk of a transfer to one of Europe’s big clubs.
“Malaga is on everyone’s lips because the Champions League is a showcase and the professionalism and unity in our dressing room is reflected in the good start we have made in both competitions.
“For me personally things have gone well and my name is more well-known, but my head is only in Malaga,” he explained.
Finally, Isco said he was now focusing on helping the Spanish Under-21 team qualify for the European Championship finals in their play-off tie with Denmark over the next week.
“I feel like just one more of the team because we are a group of friends. We have to get a good result in the first leg because it’s something we have worked all year for and we want to be in the finals,” he added.
