Real Madrid: Isco "has lost way", must "do some soul-searching"
Speaking on Spanish radio after Real Madrid's win at Real Betis, Jorge Valdano was critical of Isco and Marco Asensio but praised Vinicius.
Former Real Madrid player, coach and sporting director Jorge Valdano says Isco must "do some soul-searching" after he was again left out of Los Blancos' line-up for Sunday's LaLiga win over Real Betis, but was impressed by the impact of Vinicius in what was the Brazilian's third straight start in all competitions.
Speaking to Spanish radio station Onda Cero after Madrid's 2-1 victory at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, Valdano was also critical of Marco Asensio, who is yet to feature in 2019 as a result of a hamstring injury and has disappointed for the European champions this season.
Valdano reacts to Real Madrid's win over Betis:
Vinicius: "He ups the pace of Madrid's play, and whenever he receives the ball they look more dangerous. He's maybe a little over-eager, but he's got bags of ability."
Madrid's play: "What's most important is that they settle down into a certain way of playing."
Isco and Asensio: "A year ago, Isco and Asensio were the great sources of hope at Real Madrid; [now] one has lost his way and the jury is out on the other."
Madrid boss Santiago Solari's unwillingness to pick Isco, who is yet to start a LaLiga game under the Argentine: "Everyone knows something's up, but nobody knows what; it has to be resolved in private. Today, [B-team striker] Cristo played ahead of Isco, [so] the issue has clearly developed into a very serious one. I imagine it's something they're discussing within the club. Isco needs to do some soul-searching."
Read also: Not how a Madrid player should behave: Bartra slams Vinicius over tirade
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