LaLiga: Isco's performances aren't good enough. Is time is running out for him at Real Madrid?

‘Spineless’ and ‘an absolute disgrace’ are two apt descriptions for the performance of a football team this week. No, not just Gary Neville’s honest opinion on the current Arsenal side but Real Madrid’s tame surrendering to Espanyol last night. This is an Espanyol team, remember, which prior to last night had lost every single match to Los Blancos since moving into their new stadium.

What’s wrong with Real Madrid in LaLiga?

No doubt there’s a large section of Real Madrid fans who are simply shrugging at a disappointing result. Perhaps they will point to the fact both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona dropped points at the RCDE Stadium this season. “It isn’t an easy place to go anymore.” There’s an argument that the league doesn’t matter now and it’s about keeping key players fresh for the Paris Saint Germain match. This explains why Cristiano Ronaldo was once again given the night off.

In amongst those trying to justify the performance on Tuesday night, there’s an element of truth behind it. Espanyol aren’t exactly pushovers and certainly not at home. In fact, Espanyol have only lost four of their 14 matches in front of their own fans. Also, they are only four points behind Eibar who many are tipping as one of the favourites for the European places. Did Real Madrid expect Espanyol to roll over, much like they have in recent history?

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And then there’s the argument about the league no longer being important. Well, I guess that depends on how you value the current situation. While the entire world agrees Real Madrid can’t win LaLiga this season, the league is still vitally important. They’re third – potentially fourth by the end of Wednesday’s fixture involving Valencia – and misplaced arrogance is what got them into this position in the first place.

Poor attitudes and a lack of interest in playing for the ‘B’ team

So we go full circle and return to the words ‘spineless’ and ‘an absolute disgrace’. The 3-1 victory over PSG was a major feather in the cap of Zinedine Zidane. He needed a strong performance and he got one. It wasn’t perfect, but it didn’t need to be. However a major concern for this squad compared to last season’s is the attitude of those just outside the starting XI. Where’s that ruthlessness disappeared to?

You would assume that Zidane would want to turn this situation around, get those fringe players pushing the current starters with top performances week in, week out. Instead we’re seeing the first team going through the motions, knowing they are safe, and relying on individual brilliance to win matches. And the ‘B’ team is full of upset stars who simply don’t want to be in the ‘B’ team. Complacency is a major issue.

Isco? More like so-so

The likes of Isco and Marco Asensio are two of the main culprits but very rarely do either face criticism. A key reason behind Isco establishing himself as a regular at the back end of last season was his adaptability. Gareth Bale’s injury problems left a spot open in the attack and the Malaga native grasped it with both hands. The leader of the ‘B’ team was now a key component of the starting XI.

Yet Isco appears to have lost sight of what made him a crucial part of the puzzle. Having a run in the first team is merely the start of the battle, not a finishing point. At a club such as Real Madrid, unless your name is Cristiano or Sergio Ramos, you need to fight every week to keep your place. And maybe, for the first time in his stay at Madrid, it was all too easy for Isco.

After securing a new contract, does Isco still have the same drive to succeed?

Zidane even went one further and completely changed his formation to suit the Spaniard. Finally he was in his number 10 position behind two strikers. No more bombing up and down the wing, it was time to unleash the magic. But while the system was ideal for Isco, it didn’t click for anyone else. The performances – and results – suffered because of this. Something had to change and it did with the return of a fully fit Bale.

Back on the bench again, a rotation option, good for a few minutes here and there. It must frustrate someone who did nothing wrong to seemingly be punished for playing the role which was asked of him. There’s no room for Isco if all the ‘BBC’ play. He’s back to where he started last season: the leader of the ‘B’ team.

Isco still has the support of the fans but don’t think that’s unconditional either. The performance against Espanyol was exactly why he can’t have any complaints about his current place in the pecking order. It was more so-so than disco. Dribbling into crowds of people then losing the ball. Not providing an outlet for his teammates and overplaying it on far too many occasions. With his side drawing at the time he slowly trudged off the pitch, as if he didn’t want to be there. Not exactly the response Zidane was hoping for.

To put that into context, as people want Isco to start over Bale, the Spaniard has one assist in the league since the 18th November. Bale, since his return from injury on the 23rd December, has five goals and two assists.

Asensio is the ‘new Isco’ but lacks consistency

The other man who seemingly gets a free pass for his inconsistency is Asensio. Those who watch the odd Real Madrid match here and there clamour for him to start more often. He’s the perfect highlight player, someone who can capture the imagination of the viewing public within seconds. He’s a special, special talent but he’s also only 22 years old and his form is largely erratic.

In a roundabout way, Asensio is currently in the Isco role of last season. Perhaps too good for the ‘B’ side but not quite consistent enough to be in the ‘A’ one either. But if he is to follow the lead of any current teammate, it would be wiser to follow the route of Lucas Vazquez than anyone else. It comes down to hard work and taking the opportunities when they are handed to you.

Up against his old side, where his career really began to gain traction, you would expect to see more magic from Asensio. Instead he let the game pass him by. Rather than searching for highlight moments, he needs to add more consistency to his overall displays. It isn’t about performing when the world is watching but also pulling your team to victory in the less popular matches too. Isco did this last season against Sporting Gijon, Deportivo, Celta Vigo and Malaga.

The ‘B’ team isn’t up to scratch

Those two stand out because they possess higher ceilings than most, but it’s an issue across the board of Madrid’s second string. Kiko Casilla is an ordinary keeper and light years away from Keylor Navas’ level. The side is noticeably weaker when the Costa Rican international is unavailable.

Theo Hernandez is another inconsistent performer. It must be difficult going from starting every week to a bit-part role but Theo knew what the situation before he joined. Marcelo, if fit, plays. The ex-Atletico man is guilty of trying too much and losing possession in key areas, almost like a typical gamer in the ‘Be a Pro’ mode on FIFA. Sprinting all over the shop but with no real reason or purpose.

Marcos Llorente and Borja Mayoral are perhaps the biggest disappointments of the lot. This was supposed to be Llorente’s moment to shine but he’s looked sluggish and nervous whenever he’s got onto the pitch. As for Mayoral, it appears his chance disappeared quicker than Mariano Diaz’s. Both are unlikely to be on the books at the club next year – and neither can have any real complaints.

And then there’s Dani Ceballos. What a waste of talent. He’s only had two starts in LaLiga and all of his substitute appearances were sub-20 minute cameos. The handling of his situation is bizarre. Unlike Llorente and Mayoral, Ceballos has a wealth of experience in LaLiga as well as a good connection with Asensio. It’s beginning to feel more and more like it was a deal just to stop Barcelona from having him. He deserves an opportunity in the ‘B’ team at the very least. Especially when so many are under-performing.