La Liga 2018-19: Analyzing the suitability of Asensio or Isco to be Real Madrid's false nine

Isco

A sizzling Isco can be too hot for the opponents to handle.

Lopetegui’s second option is to establish Isco as the false nine. However, the 26-year-old’s playing style is way different from his colleague Asensio.

The former Malaga star has been Real Madrid’s loyal servant since his arrival from the Costa del Sol five years ago.

Just five years into his spell with the 'Whites', he has four Champions League titles and one La Liga among numerous other accolades. That's not to mention the fact that he has played under three managers - Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benitez and Zinedine Zidane.

He was not the preferred choice for any of these three managers. However, Zidane re-ignited Isco’s form and used him very well in the last two seasons. And Isco repaid that faith by being among Madrid’s best players.

He carried on his form even for Spain’s national team, thus winning Lopetegui’s faith.

Isco as a false nine is an innovative option. His ball holding capability is unparalleled, and he has shown sensational promise in the potential role that he is set to have. He boasts of brilliant skill when taking on opponent defenders and has been described as a nightmare by many of them.

Isco delivered his career-best display under Lopetegui less than one year ago. He scored two goals and displayed excellent positioning against Italy at the Santiago Bernabeu in a vital World Cup qualification match.

However, his sideways passing stagnates play on several occasions, and can lead to breaks in opportunities to counter-attack the opposition - something that Real Madrid excel at.

Nevertheless, Isco can attract defenders towards him, in turn releasing the forwards who are likely to be Bale and Benzema. With a potentially one-on-one or two-on-two situation in front of them, a good percentage of shots would surely find the back of the net.

Conclusion

Julen Lopetegui has a huge decision to make

Isco and Asensio are two very different players. However, Isco’s role does offer a few disadvantages, especially when he takes over the role of Kroos or Modric, leading to a stagnation of play and pace.

While Lopetegui will need time to try and test a new system, Isco and Asensio should both be given chances. Yet, in my humble opinion, Asensio deserves the spot as he has proven himself within two seasons and has a scorching left foot for long range finishing.

To me, Asensio is the best possible fit for the false nine position.