Five players who shouldn't have nominated for the 2018 Ballon d'Or

#2 Isco

Isco in action for Real Madrid

Isco was the 2012 Golden Boy winner, and much was expected from him since his 2013 transfer to Real Madrid.

A combination of factors saw the Benalmadena native struggle for playing time in the past, although he has seen his role in the team increase greatly in recent times.

The 26-year-old has been present throughout all the successes enjoyed by Real Madrid in recent years, as his guile and incredible technique from midfield proved an invaluable asset for Real Madrid.

However, for all his brilliance, Isco is a important rather than integral member of the Real team, and the overwhelming belief is that without him, the club would have still achieved all of its successes, as players like Bale and to a lesser extent Asensio could provide what Isco offered the team and some more.

At the World Cup, he was also part of a Spain team which failed to cover themselves in glory, as La Furia Roja Furia Roja put up a spineless performance, culminating in a second round elimination to hosts Russia.

Isco is a talented player, and has the potential to become the best midfielder in the world. However, for Isco to have been nominated with a performance such as he had in 2018 makes a mockery of midfielders such as Radja Naingollan and Blaise Matuidi who had spectacular campaigns.