5 players Real Madrid can’t afford to drop

#2 Isco

Deportivo La Coruna v Real Madrid - La Liga

Isco may not be the most glamorous name on the Real Madrid teamsheet, but with the club’s other forwards misfiring so far this season, the 25-year-old attacking midfielder has become an integral member of the team and one who simply cannot be overlooked.

Although Gareth Bale has struggled with injury problems in the early part of the season, the Wales international will find it difficult to displace the Spaniard in Zidane’s starting XI, especially if media reports in Spain that suggest Ronaldo prefers playing with the former Malaga man are accurate.

Before Tottenham’s Champions League meeting with Madrid at Wembley, Mauricio Pochettino picked out the midfielder as the defending champions’ greatest threat.

“I think that he is one of the best and he is proving it,” he said. “I have been lucky to have seen him playing for different clubs and he has always been a player with a capacity and creativity above average.

“He has reached his full potential at Real, and we will take that into account. We know all about his magic.”

Aside from the Copa del Rey, he has been an ever-present in the Madrid team and has shown an ability to find his form in recent weeks. Indeed, while others have struggled, he has scored a goal or provided an assist in all five of Madrid’s last La Liga matches.