Francisco Portillo has played down comparisons this season between himself and former Malaga favourite Isco.
The youngster has started the season in strong form for The Anchovies and was asked of early comparisons with the team’s recently departed star.
“You cannot make comparisons – Isco is Isco and Portillo is Portillo. I don’t consider myself the new team leader,” mused Portillo to reporters this week.
“We’re all equal. That’s what makes a strong team. I’m focusing on playing as much as I can, and if I continue to do well and I receive a call from Vicente del Bosque, it’d be an honour.”
La Rosaleda hosts Malaga’s Week 8 match against struggling Osasuna on Friday night.
“It’ll be a difficult match, and Osasuna could well come away with a win if we’re not at 100 per cent.
“Despite Osasuna always putting on a strong performance, we’re confident we can achieve a home win on Friday night.
“We made mistakes in Valladolid, and can’t afford any more errors from set pieces. The team is in good shape. If we’re not at our best, then any rival can beat us.
“Playing on a Friday? We’re all professional footballers so we need to get used to the match timetable every season.”
