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It sure seems a problem of plenty when we start to look at the midfield talent coming out of Spain in recent years. Another new entry into the ranks of ever expanding exceptional pool of midfielders is Francisco Román Alarcón Suárez , better known as Isco.
Born and brought up in the Andalusian region of Spain, Isco is a product of the Valencia CF youth system. He joined the academy at the age of 14 and started to make breathtaking outings for the Valencia B team. His impressive performances caught the eye of the first team coach Unai Emery, who handed him his debut in the Copa del Rey. Isco didn’t disappoint on his debut and scored twice in a 4-1 victory which increased his reputation. His talent made admissions into the scout reports all over Europe and Malaga decided to snap him for a mere €6 million by triggering his release clause.
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At Malaga, he was an understudy to midfield sensation Santi Cazorla but now has the stage set all for him after the latter’s departure to Arsenal. Isco has been instrumental in his side’s successful start to the season both in La Liga and Champions League. Manager Pellegrini prefers him to play in a more attacking role but Isco is comfortable occupying a deep playmaker position too. It’s not unfair to make comparison with Fabregas while describing his playing style and he possesses similar skills on the football pitch. Financial trouble is looming over Malaga and they might have to sell this talented midfielder in order to balance their sheets in the summer. Even with a release clause of €21 million, he will be a bargain for astonishing potential at this age.
He has 56 appearances and 11 goals with Malaga and is yet to make international debut.
Isco was named the ‘La Liga Breakthrough Player’ and also received the ‘Golden Boy Award’ for the year 2012.
A SWOT analysis of his abilities is compiled below :
Player: Francisco Román Alarcón Suárez , “Isco”
Date of birth: 21st April, 1992 (age 20)
Place of birth: Benalmadena, Malaga (Spain)
Nationality: Spanish
Height: 1.75m (5ft 10in)
Position: Attacking midfielder
Current club: Malaga
Isco is next in line of many upcoming creative playmakers, who base their game from an attacking midfield position. Right footed and intelligent, he combines well with his team mates and always looks to create space in the opposition half. He has very high work rate and looks committed to the cause on a football field with a great first touch and a good passing range. His dribbling skills with the ball are enough to embarrass defenders, beating them with his trickery. He doesn’t give the ball easily and goes down earning a foul most of the time. His sublime passes to the wings helps in switching the attack from left to right very quickly. He has great composure for his age and is bound to improve with more playing time.
He can sometimes be little greedy with the ball and would try to do too much with it. It frustrates his team mates when he dwells on the ball for long time. His indiscipline on the field is another major crack in his playing style. It’s quite ironic in the sense that of all the amazing qualities he possesses for being Spanish, he has the most unfamiliar ones too. His tackling is ruthless and is known for picking up fights on the field which has seen him being booked a number of times. His finishing is not up to the standard and needs to improve on that if he wants to see himself more on the scoring sheet.
He has worked his way into becoming a prime transfer target for Premier League clubs such as Manchester City and Manchester United. His popularity is growing each day with strong performance for Malaga and a move away is imminent in near future. His creative and precise passing is often compared to the legend Paul Scholes and Sir Alex will be looking to replace the veteran with him. He has the speed, the trickery, the control and the composure which makes him a complete package. He has a lot to offer and surely needs a suitable atmosphere to do it. Under a compatible manager, he can grow into becoming one of the greatest Spanish players of all time, a class of his own.
A major threat to his international career and subsequent growth is his nationality. Like so many other Spanish players, he might have to wait a little longer to make his mark with Spain national team. This can be frustrating as he is in waiting behind Cazorla, Arteta, Mata, Silva and even Fabregas, who are yet to establish themselves in the Spanish squad. His attitude on the pitch can be damaging for his career and needs to calm down a little. He should control his aggression and not waste his talent like Balotelli or Diego.
He is ready to make a move to the top flight and should not delay his transfer. He has learnt well at Malaga and the time is right to make the change or else he might end up in a limbo. He should consider playing time and look for a club which suits his style and position. He will be a treat to watch in the English league with his aggression and pace.
A release clause of €21 million stands till he decides to sign a new contract with Malaga and his value can go up instantly.
