Many people have wondered what will happen with Spain once Xavi and Iniesta leave. Without those two creative forces in the midfield things look bleak. Fans of Spain fear they will tumble back into their previous identity, which was a talented team, lacking the few players good enough to put them over the top. The Golden Era of Spanish football, and world football for that matter, has been led by the Spanish team since approximately 2006. With their short, precise passes they have set the standard for possession play. Whether you encourage a style of play that emphasizes possession or not, you need the players to bring the game plan together. As far as possession goes, Xavi and Iniesta were so good at keeping everything together, and managing the game, that, without them, it seems impossible to continue this dominant trend they have set. For fans of Spanish football there is hope as a twenty-two-year old midfielder has emerged. It's as though Figo and Xavi have been placed in a drink, mixed around, and, now you have it: Isco. He plays midfield for Real Madrid, currently alongside fellow midfielder Kroos, leading the game with a sharp awareness of defenders around him, passing the ball off to teammates within inches of the opposition's outstretched foot. He doesn't just pass to his teammate, but, he seems to pass the ball in just the right place, allowing his teammate to continue the next move; something to be expected from Madrid midfielders, including Luka Modric and Wesley Sneijder, two recent holders of that responsibility. His dribbling is creative, thoughtful and seemingly untouchable, as he maneuvers around, seeking out perfect opportunities to pass. He represents what every midfielder should encompass. He has the knowledge of the game, crafty skill, finding the right rhythms to pass, while placing passes in just the right position, and, the ability to make his teammates look good, putting them in advantageous situations. Without midfielders like Isco, Valderrama or Breitner (sure, I went back a few years), the forwards everyone becomes familiar with (C. Ronaldo, Messi, Eto'o) cannot do what they do. If he manages to avoid any major injuries the next ten years look very good for Spain's midfield.
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