CaughtOffside’s Top 50 Footballers In The World: # 22 – Isco (Malaga & Spain)

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Malaga and Spain attacking midfielder Isco.

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One player who looks destined for stardom after a rapid rise this season is Malaga’s Isco. The Spaniard is currently showcasing his tremendous ability for the Spain Under-21s at this summer’s European Championships, and may follow that up with a big-money move to Manchester City or Real Madrid.

This talented youngster, still only 21, scored 14 goals and provided 4 assists for Manuel Pellegrini’s side this season, helping ease the loss of key player Santi Cazorla to Arsenal. He is undoubtedly the jewel in their crown now, but seems likely to follow his departing manager to the Premier League, after the Chilean took over from Roberto Mancini at Manchester City.

Isco is said to be high on his list of potential transfer targets, and it’s easy to see why with some of the fine skills and goals pulled off by the Spaniard this season. Although he has only made one appearance so far for the senior national side, it is surely the first of many as he looks capable of challenging the likes of world class stars such as Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva and Juan Mata – it’s a lot of competition, for sure, but Isco is the next big thing coming out of Spanish football in this superb generation of attacking players.

The Malaga starlet will feature for Spain tonight in the European Under-21 Championship final, and it would certainly be worth tuning in if you’ve not yet seen him play. He could have a starring role as this latest crop of Spanish talent starts on its way to world domination, following in the steps of the senior side.

Isco’s stock would certainly rise with a winner’s medal tonight, but he will be available for what looks like a bargain at around £28million due to a minimum release fee clause in his contract, which some stories suggest has already been met by both Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Chelsea and PSG have also shown an interest in Isco, but it seems likely that it will be between Real or City, depending on whether he chooses to stay in Spain or continue working with Pellegrini.

One thing’s for sure, the Premier League will be even more exciting next season if Isco is in it, as English football welcomes another world class star to these shores.

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