Top 5 prospects of Spanish football

Isco (Malaga, 21)

Background Isco was signed by Malaga from Valencia after they activated a now paltry looking £4m release clause. Linked with Man City.

Position Comfortable playing in any attacking position behind a central striker, but most devastating in the ‘number 10? role.

Strengths For his position, he is pretty much a complete package. He has the technical skill expected of Spanish players but what marks him out is the pace at which he operates with the ball at his feet. He moves rapidly when dribbling and is also able to perform a variety of tricky skill manoeuvres at pace. This makes him an irresistible force at times because defenders can’t near enough to him to stop him. He is so confident and direct when in possession that he poses a near constant threat. His goal output is very strong to add to this whirl of menace.

Weaknesses It’s pretty hard to find weaknesses in Isco but he can be a little sloppy in possession at times. This is mostly because he is always trying something, always looking to create chaos but if he sharpens that up he’ll be even better. Also needs to create more goals.

The next Juan Mata. Like Mata, Isco scores a lot of goals from his number 10 position and has an ability to terrify defences. He moves a bit more swiftly than Mata but they both have the full gamete of skill and trickery.