Isco will replace Cristiano Ronaldo

Carlo Ancelotti confirmed during Saturday's press conference that Cristiano Ronaldo will not be able to feature against Real Sociedad. The Portuguese star wants to be fully fit for the next derby against Atlético de Madrid—September 13th—, so he will follow a specific recovery plan that forces him to miss Sunday's game and also the International friendlies with Portugal.

This will give Isco a chance to start, something that a fair percentage of Real Madrid fans were expecting. The Spanish player played just about 40 minutes throughout Real Madrid's four official matches played so far. He completed the whole pre-season and should be ahead of his teammates in terms of fitness, but Ancelotti is always very cautious with him. There's always a sense of unpredictability with Isco, but it should be noted that he tends to deliver big time when needed.

Although it will be him the one replacing Cristiano Ronaldo on the starting lineup, James Rodríguez will play on the Portuguese's spot, meaning that Isco will play as a central midfielder with Modric alongside him. Kroos would play deep—in Alonso's role so to speak—while Bale and Benzema will be the ones carrying the goal-scoring burden.

Isco needs to make the best out of his chances in order to impress Carlo Ancelotti and earn a starting spot in the midfield even when Cristiano is available. Isco's road to the starting lineup starts today.