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Ancelotti: "Isco is on the same level as James"

The Italian coach was interviewed by Spanish radio station Onda Cero.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno

Isco and James are both playing so well that it will be hard for Carlo Ancelotti to decide who stays on the bench. Still, this is the kind of competition for one spot that every coach relishes.

Isco is on the same level as James. There are no undisputed starters! (...) I know James well, he used to play on the wing, and what first surprised me about him was his commitment and sacrifice. Not only he could play as a striker but as a midfielder as well.

As soon as James' name was brought up, Onda Cero asked him about Di María.

We need to think first before saying that he has replaced Di María, because they are very different players. Di María had the ability to break down matches, but he also lost control sometimes, he turned the ball over often.

And finally, Toni Kroos.

He's a professor. He has completed Xabi Alonso's school very quickly. He shocks me because he's never worried, he doesn't care whether he's on pressure or not. I don't know where he can play better, you can always improve the way you play in the position he's being deployed at right now, but it's not easy to improve now! He plays quickly, always throws the right pass, he doesn't turn the ball over, he gets back possession... And we also have Modric, who is the total midfielder.

Real Madrid will make one signing this winter, Ancelotti says...

Jesé will be our signing. He will be ready to play in one month.

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