Five Real Madrid players playing for their future
By Roy Emanuel
![MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 18: Francisco Roman Alarcon alias Isco looks on during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and RCD Espanyol at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 18, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 18: Francisco Roman Alarcon alias Isco looks on during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and RCD Espanyol at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 18, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/51eee6871eb739fd34c9f15356b347861c3658f915df28498461d43e800b2d97.jpg)
Isco
In a similar situation to that of his team-mate James Rodriguez, midfielder Isco is facing a difficult lack of playing time at Real Madrid this season. The Spanish international has scored six goals and added five assist in league play thus far.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a meteoric rise with Malaga before signing at the Bernabeu in June of 2013, but has found consistent minutes on the pitch to be an elusive proposition in recent times under Zinedine Zidane.
A creative and attacking midfielder, Isco’s pace and quality on the ball can be an effective weapon against any defence. Possessing strong abilities on the wing or even in a striker position, his versatility can see him adapt to various formations and philosophies.
The club appear to be keen for midfield replacements, as reports and rumours of new arrivals in the Spanish capital could see both Isco and James Rodriguez transfer away from Los Blancos. Isco will want to cement his place in La Furia Roja’s squad ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and to do so he may need to move on from Real Madrid this summer.
With his club and international future hanging in the balance, the coming weeks for Isco will be vital.