Advertisement

Isco turning talent into greatness, says Spain boss Julen Lopetegui after World Cup rout of Italy

La Roja thrash Italy 3-0 to close in on qualification for the World Cup

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
0
Spanish midfielder Isco has been making a big impression back home. Photo: AFP
Spain coach Julen Lopetegui believes Isco is finally making his abundant talent count after scoring twice as La Roja thrashed Italy 3-0 on Saturday to close in on qualification for the World Cup.

After a difficult start to his career at Real Madrid after joining in 2013, Isco has blossomed under the tutelage of Zinedine Zidane in the past year and took his club form onto the international stage with a virtuoso performance.

His measured free-kick opened the scoring 13 minutes in at a packed Santiago Bernabeu before he doubled Spain’s lead with a fierce strike on his weaker left foot just before half-time.

“Playing regularly, gaining important experience with his club and with us means that as a footballer he is growing,” said Lopetegui.

“It is one thing to have quality and another to be a great player.
Spain’s David Villa gestures to the crowd. Photo: EPA
Spain’s David Villa gestures to the crowd. Photo: EPA

“Isco has always had quality and now he is becoming a great player.”

Advertisement