Isco, Vasquez, Bale or Asensio: The Battle Continues

With less than 48 hours to go before Real Madrid's meeting with Juventus in the UEFA Champions League for the second time within a year, one question still remains unanswered: Who will Zidane trust for the last remaining spot in his starting lineup?

Madrid take on Juventus in Turin on the 4th of April. With the Spanish giants' famed squad depth, fans took it upon themselves to predict the starting line-up for this exciting match up. Even with the starting lineup yet to come out officially, 10 of the available 11 spots are all but confirmed.

Here, we see why Isco, Lucas Vasquez, Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio deserve to play when the whistle is blown, marking the start of this star-studded game.

Vasquez' Great Form

With Cristiano Ronaldo facing a dip in form during the early stages of this season, Zidane found that he could trust Vasquez to either create goals, or score them. 8 goals and 8 assists this season do not complement the contribution the 26 year old Spaniard has been providing to the defending champions enough.

Previously seen as a substitute for Bale on the right wing, Vasquez proved himself worthy of a place in the squad with his overlapping runs by the wings. Moreover, he expanded his game this season, as he has been seen at different positions.

Always looking to take the game to the opponent's half, Vasquez' one-two plays are found to be very tough to mark. That being said, his beautiful crosses are seconded only to the left footed ones of Marcelo, in Real Madrid.

Vasquez' unselfishness is one of his other advantages, as his skill is also one to be marveled at. Rarely losing possession, the Spanish attacker is also complimented for his support to the defence, and his very successful tracking back.

If we looked at form, Vasquez seems to be the perfect option for Zidane to take up his place on either the right of Benzema as a winger, or to play as the attacking midfielder, supporting Carvajal.

Asensio's Performances

Marco Asensio, the 22-year-old from Spain, made headlines with his amazing goals and neat dribbling. Immediately compared to the likes of Lionel Messi, this left-footed youngster has really come of age on the football pitch with his screamers, and his ability to maintain possession, even in a quick counter-attack.

Asensio's steady rise to fame was boosted by his 2 breathtaking goals against Barcelona in both the legs in the beginning of the season, taking Real Madrid towards their 10th Spanish Super Cup victory.

With Ronaldo's ban and injuries attacking the historic Whites, more players were given chances to gain Zidane's trust. Asensio was not Zidane's first choice in the beginning as he was often substituted for Isco, who had then confirmed his starting spot, for the closing stages of the game. Asensio's style of play, where he rotates the ball between different players, is seen to be similar to that of Isco's who had been given a free role by the French manager.

Then Madrid's occasional losses pushed Zidane towards experimenting with his team. Playing Asensio more, results turned out to be more positive than they were all season. This goes to be said sometimes, with his goals.

Asensio then proved his worth with his performance against the French league toppers, Paris Saint-Germain, as he came on as a substitute and helped in creating 2 quick goals for the European champions.

Asensio's ability to play in any position he's given, along with his popping up at difficult places to smoothen things out, add to his chances of getting selected for the quarterfinal.

Bale's Return To Form

Gareth 'glittering' Bale, as he is so often called, is still part of the famed trio 'BBC'.

Looking to excel, and also predicted to be one of the greatest footballers in the future, successive injuries put a stop to his meteoric rise to fame. His health in constant probation, the past two seasons saw the likes of Isco and Asensio coming in for Bale numerous times, slowly dampening his hopes of having a registered spot in a powerful Real Madrid side.

Bale, however, has slowly been regaining his form this season, as he finds himself to be one of the top scorers for his club side. His blistering pace, seconded to not many in this age of football, is still feared by most opposition sides. His shooting prowess, proved time and again, add to his skill and backtracking as the 28-year-old Welshman fights for a spot, which was originally his.

Zidane playing Bale could very well benefit the team, as they're used to him. The chemistry between Modric and Bale might be the key Zidane has been looking for to untangle the collection of webs, that is the defence of their Italian opponents.

Bale's performances in recent outings and his curling balls, looking for Ronaldo, might just do the trick. His wing play and his major involvement in the counter-attacks might just be his biggest assets and his backup, when Zidane looks to select the Welshmen.

Isco's Magic

Spain v Argentina - International Friendly — Isco scored a hat-trick, as Spain beat Argentina 6-1 in an International Friendly.

Ever since Isco played the major hand in the thumping of Argentina, rumours about the Spanish 25-year-old have been popping everywhere. The cheeky Isco, also stated that he was less happy playing for his club side, as compared to his national side.

His claims that he seemed to have not gained Zidane's trust did not right the wrongs, as a possible move to Manchester City has already been rumoured around the footballing world.

The previous season, possibly Isco's best in his career, cemented his position in the starting lineup. Zidane was forced to rest the likes of Bale, to make sure the Spanish genius played. Isco did not disappoint and this was also seen in his performance against Juventus in their previous meeting in the finals.

Talks of Isco slowing down the play, stopping counter-attacks and wasting attempts at trying to make something alone, however, added to the losses Real Madrid faced when he played. Being given a number of chances, Isco could not mark his place in the starting lineup, as the likes of Vasquez and Asensio stood up to their name.

Even so, Isco's close control, through balls and his dribbling skill might be needed for Zidane to create goals in the looming quarterfinals. Isco's experience of playing against the Italian giants is another reason why Zidane might look to select Isco ahead of his competing three.

Isco's performance against Argentina, which took the world by storm, could be the push Zidane needs to place his trust in Isco in a big game one more time.

With the manager himself receiving a lot of flak for poor results this season, he would definitely be looking to make the perfect decision to ensure Real's victory over the Italian league toppers. With the prospect of a third consecutive European victory, will Real Madrid be able to overcome the mighty threat of Juventus?

Edited by Martin King