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Isco: The player dumped by Sevilla but rejuvenated by Betis

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After being released by Sevilla in January 2023 and finding himself as a free agent for the second half of last season, Isco’s career at the highest level appeared to be over. However, a move across town to Real Betis in the summer has rejuvenated the 32-year-old, with his displays seeing him return to the very top table of Europe’s elite midfielders. 

By Luke Bissett

Isco has been quite simply sensational in 2023-24. The midfielder once nicknamed ‘magic’ has shown he still has plenty of tricks up his sleeve at the Benito Villamarín. In fact, Isco’s dazzling performances have even prompted calls for his return to the Spanish national team ahead of this summer’s European Championships, five years on from his last outing for La Roja. It’s a stark contrast from where the former Golden Boy Award winner found himself 12 months ago.  

The midfielder joined Sevilla in the summer of 2022 under the hope of a fresh start after his career had somewhat stagnated in the preceding years at Real Madrid. The switch saw Isco reunite with manager Julen Lopetegui, with whom he had enjoyed a fruitful spell in the national team setup. Yet Sevilla endured a torrid start to the campaign, winning just one of their opening 11 games, and Lopetegui was soon sacked.  

His replacement, Jorge Sampaoli, also gave Isco an opportunity in the side, but disappointing form soon saw the midfielder phased out of the starting XI. Then came the alleged training ground bust-up with sporting director Monchi, which led to Isco departing Sevilla by ‘mutual consent’ just six months after joining the club.  

A proposed move to Bundesliga side Union Berlin later broke down on transfer deadline day in January 2023 with both parties failing to agree terms, leaving the midfielder without a club for the second half of the campaign. Isco was forced to train at home on his own, his career at the top level seemingly over.  

However, the five-time Champions League winner received a lifeline last summer, joining Sevilla’s eternal city rivals Betis on a one-year deal. Betis had just sold one of their key attacking players, Sergio Canales, to Mexican side Monterrey for some much-needed funds, veteran club idol Joaquín had retired at the age of 41 and Nabil Fekir was still recovering from a long-term injury. So, signing a free agent like Isco felt shrewd.  

The 32-year-old was immediately fast tracked into the side by manager Manuel Pellegrini, despite not having played a competitive game since prior to the 2022 World Cup. Pellegrini had given Isco his breakthrough when the pair worked together at Malaga over 10 years ago, and he continued to show faith in the attacking midfielder – starting him in Betis’ very first game of the season. Pellegrini and Isco haven’t looked back since.  

The former Ballon d’Or nominee has been completely revitalised in the Betis midfield, scoring six LaLiga goals this term, more than he managed in the previous five seasons combined. He has also provided more assists than any other Betis player (four). Isco has been at the heart of everything for the Green-and-Whites, the focal point of each rallying assault on the opposition box.  

The modern game seemed to be shifting away from the traditional No. 10 – Isco’s favoured position – but Pellegrini has located a spot for him at the very tip of the Betis engine room. There, he is able to dictate attacks, creating the third-most chances of any player in LaLiga this season (75). The midfielder quickly grasped responsibility for the Andalusian side’s creative output and has played more passes into the box than any other LaLiga player in 2023-24 (212).  

Isco is an ever-willing forward option for his teammates, ghosting into pockets between the  lines in search of the ball. He then drives forward with the ball, playing defence-splitting  penetrative passes with ease. Isco ranks inside the top 10 for successful passes ending in the final third per 90 (19), while only Rodrigo De Paul (12) has completed more through balls than him (nine). The former Spanish international has given Pellegrini’s side some vital  final third quality in the absence of the departed Canales, with only three players delivering more crosses in the Spanish top-flight (144). 

The midfielder has also shown exactly why his nickname is ‘magic’, collating an impressive  highlights reel of opposition defenders that he has coolly waltzed past. Only wingers Sávio (91) and Nico Williams (72) have completed more dribbles than Isco in LaLiga this season (67), with the Betis star’s trademark mazy runs becoming a frequent occurrence once again. Isco’s quick feet have bewildered many-a-defender and only Valencia’s Hugo Duro (84) has been fouled on more occasions than the Betis man (71).  

It did not take long for Isco to gain the adoration of the fans at the Benito Villamarín, even more so after an ‘MVP’ performance against bitter rivals Sevilla at the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan last November. The 32-year-old has already been rewarded with a bumper new contract at Betis as he continues to lead the team in their race for a European spot next season. Pellegrini’s side currently sit in seventh place with 48 points, just a point above the chasing pack.  

The Verdiblancos host Sevilla in El Gran Derbi, for what is set to be a mammoth clash on Sunday evening. Isco, already a fan favourite, could further enhance that relationship with another ‘MVP’ display against his former employers.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every LaLiga game in the run-in live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Isco: The player dumped by Sevilla but rejuvenated by Betis

After being released by Sevilla in January 2023 and finding himself as a free agent for the second half of last season, Isco’s career at the highest level appeared to be over. However, a move across town to Real Betis in the summer has rejuvenated the 32-year-old, with his displays seeing him return to the very top table of Europe’s elite midfielders. 

By Luke Bissett

Isco has been quite simply sensational in 2023-24. The midfielder once nicknamed ‘magic’ has shown he still has plenty of tricks up his sleeve at the Benito Villamarín. In fact, Isco’s dazzling performances have even prompted calls for his return to the Spanish national team ahead of this summer’s European Championships, five years on from his last outing for La Roja. It’s a stark contrast from where the former Golden Boy Award winner found himself 12 months ago.  

The midfielder joined Sevilla in the summer of 2022 under the hope of a fresh start after his career had somewhat stagnated in the preceding years at Real Madrid. The switch saw Isco reunite with manager Julen Lopetegui, with whom he had enjoyed a fruitful spell in the national team setup. Yet Sevilla endured a torrid start to the campaign, winning just one of their opening 11 games, and Lopetegui was soon sacked.  

His replacement, Jorge Sampaoli, also gave Isco an opportunity in the side, but disappointing form soon saw the midfielder phased out of the starting XI. Then came the alleged training ground bust-up with sporting director Monchi, which led to Isco departing Sevilla by ‘mutual consent’ just six months after joining the club.  

A proposed move to Bundesliga side Union Berlin later broke down on transfer deadline day in January 2023 with both parties failing to agree terms, leaving the midfielder without a club for the second half of the campaign. Isco was forced to train at home on his own, his career at the top level seemingly over.  

However, the five-time Champions League winner received a lifeline last summer, joining Sevilla’s eternal city rivals Betis on a one-year deal. Betis had just sold one of their key attacking players, Sergio Canales, to Mexican side Monterrey for some much-needed funds, veteran club idol Joaquín had retired at the age of 41 and Nabil Fekir was still recovering from a long-term injury. So, signing a free agent like Isco felt shrewd.  

The 32-year-old was immediately fast tracked into the side by manager Manuel Pellegrini, despite not having played a competitive game since prior to the 2022 World Cup. Pellegrini had given Isco his breakthrough when the pair worked together at Malaga over 10 years ago, and he continued to show faith in the attacking midfielder – starting him in Betis’ very first game of the season. Pellegrini and Isco haven’t looked back since.  

The former Ballon d’Or nominee has been completely revitalised in the Betis midfield, scoring six LaLiga goals this term, more than he managed in the previous five seasons combined. He has also provided more assists than any other Betis player (four). Isco has been at the heart of everything for the Green-and-Whites, the focal point of each rallying assault on the opposition box.  

The modern game seemed to be shifting away from the traditional No. 10 – Isco’s favoured position – but Pellegrini has located a spot for him at the very tip of the Betis engine room. There, he is able to dictate attacks, creating the third-most chances of any player in LaLiga this season (75). The midfielder quickly grasped responsibility for the Andalusian side’s creative output and has played more passes into the box than any other LaLiga player in 2023-24 (212).  

Isco is an ever-willing forward option for his teammates, ghosting into pockets between the  lines in search of the ball. He then drives forward with the ball, playing defence-splitting  penetrative passes with ease. Isco ranks inside the top 10 for successful passes ending in the final third per 90 (19), while only Rodrigo De Paul (12) has completed more through balls than him (nine). The former Spanish international has given Pellegrini’s side some vital  final third quality in the absence of the departed Canales, with only three players delivering more crosses in the Spanish top-flight (144). 

The midfielder has also shown exactly why his nickname is ‘magic’, collating an impressive  highlights reel of opposition defenders that he has coolly waltzed past. Only wingers Sávio (91) and Nico Williams (72) have completed more dribbles than Isco in LaLiga this season (67), with the Betis star’s trademark mazy runs becoming a frequent occurrence once again. Isco’s quick feet have bewildered many-a-defender and only Valencia’s Hugo Duro (84) has been fouled on more occasions than the Betis man (71).  

It did not take long for Isco to gain the adoration of the fans at the Benito Villamarín, even more so after an ‘MVP’ performance against bitter rivals Sevilla at the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan last November. The 32-year-old has already been rewarded with a bumper new contract at Betis as he continues to lead the team in their race for a European spot next season. Pellegrini’s side currently sit in seventh place with 48 points, just a point above the chasing pack.  

The Verdiblancos host Sevilla in El Gran Derbi, for what is set to be a mammoth clash on Sunday evening. Isco, already a fan favourite, could further enhance that relationship with another ‘MVP’ display against his former employers.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every LaLiga game in the run-in live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.