Isco is option number 20 for Santiago Solari
After playing zero minutes against Real Betis, 19 players have played more than Isco under Solari and he is the least-used midfielder for Real Madrid.
Isco's situation is at its most delicate stage since the rumblings of relationship issues between himself and Santiago Solari emerged. Despite Solari insisting there is "nothing personal" about Isco's lack of gametime, there appears to be some issue between the two.
Both Cristo and Brahim, the most recent Real Madrid signing, came on ahead of the 26-year-old against Real Betis. A sub once again despite the seven absences in Solari's squad, Sunday's game proves that Isco is not in Solari's plans. In fact, Solari changed his system entirely in order to introduce Fede Valverde rather than play Isco.
Isco with fewest minutes among midfielders
He has only played 410 minutes since Solari was appointed and is option number 20 for the Argentine. After the Real Betis game, with both Nacho (475) and Valverde (483) starting, they both surpassed the malagueño in minutes played under the manager. The only players who have played less are Keylor Navas (360), Javi Sánchez, Jesús Vallejo, Mariano Díaz (injured three times this season missing 12 games), Cristo, Brahim Díaz, Fidalgo and Kiko Casilla.
With his start against Betis, Valverde surpassed his teammate too and Isco becomes the lest used midfielder under Solari too. Modric (974) has played the most with Kroos (881), Marcos Llorente (691), Ceballos (679) and Casemiro (516) next in line in terms of minutes.
Regardless of system, Solari doesn't count on Isco. Against Betis, Cristo was the first sub for Benzema, who broke his finger, Ceballos replaced Sergio Reguilón and Brahim Díaz was the last sub in place of Fede Valverde.
