Isco may be a Spanish football icon for his own rights-a four-time winner of the Champions League at Real Madrid and now a creative force with a reconciling real beti, but even the most talented players have their inspiration.
In a recent interview with footballThe midfielder was asked to name the players, whom he considered real creative, related spirits – and he revealed the four stars he considers as a football idole.
“Riquelme, Ronaldinho, Zidane, Iniesta,” said Isco. “They all played from another place. With a break, with imagination, with this class that cannot be taught.”
While Zidane, Iniesta and Ronaldinho are regularly praised as sizes, it is the inclusion of Juan Román Riquelme that can raise the eyebrows-but not among football curists.
In the mainstream debates, however, Riquelme is worshiped by many within the game as one of the most talented players of Argentina. Even the great Lionel Messi has often spoken of Riquelme as a big influence on his career.
The best known for his legendary spells at Boca Juniors and as the main support for Argentina left Riquelme a lasting impression in La Liga during his time with Barcelona and Villarreal. His unique rhythm, his vision and elegance clearly left a young Isco.
They say that the game recognizes the game – and that is certainly true here.
Wen Isco admired in modern game, he seems to be less convinced of today’s football trends.
“In the present … I still have to see who does this freedom,” he said. “Because people run a lot today, but think less. And for me my head is still the best engine.”