The Welshman is ready to return following a spell on the sidelines, but has seen the young Spaniard shine in his absence - so which of the two deserves to be first choice?
When Isco signed for Real Madrid last summer, the former Malaga midfielder described the possible arrival of Gareth Bale as a "nice problem" both for him and for the Spanish side. Just over a year on and coach Carlo Ancelotti has a tough decision to make as he decides between the in-form Andalusian and the returning Welshman.
Bale has missed the last few matches through injury and is yet to hit the heights for Madrid in the current campaign, his spell on this sidelines handing Isco a golden opportunity to show exactly what he can do when given an extended run in the team.
And he has grabbed it. The 22-year-old has started the last five games and Madrid have been on fine form, sweeping aside Levante (5-0), Liverpool (3-0), Barcelona (3-1), Cornella (4-1) and Granada (4-0) en route to top spot in La Liga.
Instrumental in those wins, many Madrid fans and journalists are keen to see Isco retain his place in the side over Bale. So with the Welshman back in contention, which of the two players should start for Real? Two Goal writers go head to head on the issue...
| "WITHOUT BALE, ANCELOTTI WOULDN'T BE AT MADRID" |
By Ben Hayward
Isco's inspirational form is a huge plus point for Real Madrid and the last few games have been described by some as the club's most positive performances in the last decade.
That's great news for coach Carlo Ancelotti, but the Italian would almost certainly not be at the Santiago Bernabeu if it were not for Bale's decisive displays at the end of last season.
The Welsh winger has not always shone in a Madrid shirt, but he was there when it mattered most to hit the winner in the final of the Copa del Rey last April against Barcelona. And he was decisive again in Lisbon, scoring the vital second goal in extra time as Ancelotti's men overcame Atletico in the Champions League showpiece to claim La Decima.
Criticised for his defensive contribution this term, Bale needs to work harder and press like he did in the Champions League semi-final second leg at Bayern Munich last season. But Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo in full flow make Madrid the most dangerous side in the world on the break, while the Welshman's height, pace and finishing are all assets in Ancelotti's system.
Isco's intricate passing is another and the Spaniard undoubtedly has a big part to play, but Bale's running scares the game's greatest defences.
"Real are going to be even stronger than they were at Anfield if Gareth Bale plays [on Tuesday]," Emile Heskey wrote in his exclusive column for Goal. "I know there is talk in Spain of Isco keeping his place, and Carlo Ancelotti has been talking him up, but Gareth Bale is a nominee for the Ballon d’Or. The excitement he builds when he’s on the ball is breathtaking.
"Let’s be honest, if Isco wasn’t Spanish, would the Spanish press be saying he should stay in? Isco is an outstanding talent and I love watching him, but I don’t see his name on the Ballon d’Or list."
It may be next year, but Bale's performances at the very highest level have been brilliant for Madrid and he deserves to be back in the team when he is fully fit - however harsh that may be on his in-form team-mate.
| "ISCO OFFERS MORE DEFENSIVELY THAN BALE" |
By Ander Bilbao
Isco has become an idol to Real Madrid fans, both on and off the pitch, thanks to his brilliant performances this season. The 22-year-old's perfect technique, tremendous touch, passing and cunning around the area have added a little more magic to Real Madrid's already-lethal attack.
Unlike Gareth Bale, Isco also sacrifices himself in defence - something for which the Welshman has been criticised of late. While Isco is eager to put in the hard work off the ball, press opponents and chase back, Bale has been unwilling or unable to help his team-mates in the same way.
It is no coincidence that Madrid have conceded just two goals in the five games Isco has played in following Bale's injury. In terms of defensive balance, the young Spaniard has the edge - yet his presence hasn't affected Madrid's ability to score goals (19 goals for during this recent stretch).
All this doesn't mean Bale should be banished into the wilderness. Indeed, the two can easily co-exist in the same line-up.
"Isco and Bale have played together many times and they can do so again," coach Carlo Ancelotti said just last week. "I haven't said that if Bale plays, Isco won't play."
Logically, Bale has a significant role to play in Ancelotti's Madrid and the Italian has said the winger is "one of the best players in the world."
The problem is that Bale has been out for a few weeks now and it will take time for him to return to 100 per cent - even though Ancelotti has said he is fit to face Liverpool. Isco, meanwhile, has won the affection of the Madrid fans (many of whom prefer him to Bale) and he is seen by the majority as a player who can define an era at the Santiago Bernabeu.
At the very least, he deserves his place in the team right now - whether or not Bale is alongside him.
Should Gareth Bale or Isco start for Real Madrid?
source: goal.com
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