When Real Madrid decided to invest close to €80 million on James Rodríguez this summer, fans start wondering about Isco's role in this 2014-15 season. While the Spanish midfielder played a big part on the Champions League and Copa del Rey titles conquered by los blancos last season, he appeared to be the odd player out in order to make room on the starting XI for Colombian sensation James.
Isco has played so well lately that he definitely deserves a place in Ancelotti's starting lineup. Against Ludogorets, Isco arguably was Real Madrid's best starter --only Karim Benzema played better and he came in in the 70th minute--, creating three big plays and controlling the tempo of the game with his passing. Real's number 23 completed 91% of his passes --60 out of 66--, and that's a very successful accuracy ratio given his tendency to risk and create chances for his teammates.
The only problem for Isco is that James is also playing well. Kroos is also a very valuable piece for Carlo Ancelotti, so Isco literally has no room on the starting lineup just yet. Luka Modric is the one midfielder who is struggling more, but his place in the XI should not be put into question as neither Isco nor James can provide Modric's defensive work rate. Still, it's quite hard not to admit that Isco is the midfielder who's in the better form right now, so Ancelotti might need to find the right formula to bring him in to the team.
Isco is 22 years old. He has a bright future, but he needs to take the next step as a footballer and earn the starting spot in this Real Madrid squad. He has shown the maturity and mentality needed to play for los blancos as well, being patient and waiting for his opportunity. Isco would be leading any other project in the world of football --that's right, I'm implying that he would be the most decisive player in any other European club not named Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern-- and it's about time for Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid to realise the kind of player he is.
Isco has done enough to earn Carlo Ancelotti's trust. The Italian coach is a fair man and he will surely give Isco Alarcón the chance to be an undisputed starter for Real Madrid soon. And that will certainly help the team down the road as well.