From Valencia To Real Madrid – The Rise Of Francisco Román Alarcón Suárez a.k.a Isco
Francisco Roman Alarcon Suarez popularly known as “Isco” is having the time of his career at the moment. Scoring, assisting, teasing his opponents for fun, dominating the game, Isco does it all and adds a different element of class and swagger to the game. Born on 21 April 1992, in the region of Benalmadena in Spain, Isco is the answer to Spain’s successor of legend, Andres Iniesta and promises to be an exciting superstar. His rise has been fabulous and now he has signed a new contract with Real Madrid which keeps him at the Bernabeau until 2022. Let’s have a look at his journey from Valencia to Real Madrid.
Valencia- Humble beginnings (2009-2011)
Isco began his senior career at Valencia and mainly played for the youth team and the first team reserves. He made his La liga debut on 14 November 2010 as he came on for Aritz Aduriz, against Getafe in a 2-0 home win. He subsequently featured in both the first team and the B-team that season.
Malaga- On the way to a glorious career (2011-2013)
Malaga signed Isco in July 2011. Isco started showing glimpses of the footballer he was going to become at this particular club and scored his first goal, against Racing Santander on 21 November 2011. Isco had a great first season with Malaga, played 32 games, and was a part of the squad that ensured qualification to the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.
Isco netted a brace against Zenit St. Petersburg in Malaga’s very first Champions League fixture the following season. He also scored in a 3-2 home win against his eventual future club, Real Madrid. That was the first time Malaga celebrated a win against Real Madrid in 29 years. Isco turned a lot of heads during his stint in Malaga and it came as no surprise when he won the Golden Boy award in 2013, beating the likes of El Shaarawy and Courtois.
Real Madrid- From the role of a bench-warmer to global domination (2013- present):
Isco was Carlo Ancelotti’s first signing as Real Madrid manager and they secured his services from Malaga by paying them £23m. Isco made his official debut for the Los Blancos on 18 August 2013 and managed an assist and the winning goal in the closing minutes against Real Betis in a hard-fought home win. Isco had to contend himself with limited game time in his first season with the Spanish giants and regularly came off the bench. He also played 61 minutes in the season’s Champions League final, a 4-1 win over city rivals, Atletico Madrid.
It is under Zidane’s management however, that Isco’s unrivalled prowess has come to the forefront. The French footballing legend has mastered the art of man management and the squad has benefited as a whole. Under Zidane, Isco has become a key player for Real Madrid and an integral starting lineup inclusion.
Isco has produced many mesmerising and scintillating moments since then and is on course to becoming the world’s best attacking midfielder. He started in the 2017 UEFA Champions League final which Real won 4-1 against Juventus and was the man of the match in the UEFA Super Cup win against Manchester United because of his sensational performance.
There’s absolutely no denying the fact that Isco weaves magic through his gameplay and it is a privilege to watch him play football in his prime.