Catalan giants Barcelona are set to enter an important transfer window at the end of the season as they are about to get a new manager who might want to change a few things at the club. The Spanish outfit is already planning for life next season and has been scouting some of the best players in Europe. But one player that is now on the radar of the La Liga winners is Real Madrid star Isco. The Spanish midfielder is among the most exciting players in his position not just in Spain but also in Europe but has been frustrated with the lack of playing opportunities at the Bernabeu. He is looking for an exit and Barcelona are ready to make a sensational swoop for him this summer. So how will this audacious move transform the Catalans?
Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, and Luis Suarez, the ‘MSN’ are expected to keep their place in the first team next season but the three places behind them in midfield is what might cause Barcelona a few problems. Sergio Busquets should be a regular in the side next season but the rest of the two places need some quality.
The likes of Ivan Rakitic, Arda Turan, Andre Gomez, Dennis Suarez, Rafinha and Andres Iniesta have all taken their turns for these roles but Barcelona have just not been able to stick to a pair that can get the work done. Iniesta is no longer going to play every game and none of the other players listed have been able to show enough promise to warrant a place in the first team next season.
So it does not come as a surprise that Barcelona are scouting for midfielders this summer and have been linked with the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Marco Verratti recently. But the fact that they want to lure a player from the Bernabeu shown that they have seen something in Isco that will make him a hit at the Camp Nou.
Known for his slick turns, passing and dribbling abilities, Isco is a versatile player who can play in a variety of roles in the midfield and can also deputise as a part of the front three if needed. His return of six goals and five assists in 13 starts in the domestic competition this season show his ability to create and finish chances and there is no doubt that he will be an influential player at the Camp Nou.
The likes of Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema, the ‘BBC’, the front line for Real Madrid, are constantly looking to take the attack to the opposition and their direct style of play has seen Isco adjust well to the requirements. However, at Barcelona, where every player is looking for a teammate to pass, Isco can be a more effective player.
He is expected to play as the furthest of the midfielders where he can link up with ‘MSN’. His ability to create space for himself in the final third, or find his teammates in space in dangerous areas will all help Barcelona improve their quality in front of goal. He is not the strongest in the air, another attribute that makes him a typical Barcelona player and if the Catalan giants are able to get their hands on the 24-year old, it could turn out to be their best acquisition since Luis Suarez from Liverpool a few years ago. However the tougher sell will be to get Real Madrid to agree to this deal. Sounds a bit loco, no?
