Should Isco feature in Spain's squad for Euro 2024?

On the 10th of June 2019, Isco donned the famous Spanish jersey for the 38th time in his career. The playmaker lasted the full duration of Spain’s 3-0 victory over Sweden in a Euro 2020 qualifier. Nearly five years have now passed, and Isco is still waiting to make his 39th international appearance.

For some time, it has seemed unfathomable to think that he could ever return to the heights of international football. His trophy-laden Real Madrid career petered out to an anti-climatic conclusion, before he was kicked out of Sevilla within five months of his arrival. He looked set to swap Andalucía for the German capital until his proposed move to Union Berlin fell through following a dispute over the contract. So after an eventful few months, Isco was sent into the footballing wilderness to take stock and reflect for the second half of the 2022/23 season.

When he returned from his hiatus, he was holding up the iconic green and white shirt of Real Betis. Many a pundit questioned whether he had the hunger and desire to rediscover his glory days. It had seemed as though those golden years were long gone, and he was just a tribute act to that once magical footballer. However, rather than being a shadow of his former self, Isco has rolled back the years to embark on a remarkable comeback tour.

The Betis man has established himself as an integral part of Manuel Pellegrini’s side, racking up a staggering 19 MVP awards in his 28 league appearances. His 19th came as a result of Sunday’s match-winning performance against basement side Almería. His cut-back led to an early opener, before he pounced on a defensive error to slot the hosts into a two-goal lead. He then picked another pocket to tee up Ayoze Pérez for Betis’ third goal in an entertaining 3-2 win. 

Almería may have played a helping hand, but it was the latest in a long line of majestic performances from Betis’ standout player of the season. In fact, with eight league goals, he is enjoying his best goalscoring campaign since 2016-17. Add in five assists and Isco is among the top three LaLiga midfielders with the most goal involvements this season.

His consistent displays have led to calls for him to board the plane to Germany. And Luis de la Fuente has seemingly acknowledged those demands, telling Mediaset: “Isco is a footballer that I love and who is having a great campaign. [Sunday] he had a spectacular game. The truth is that he can be with us.” Spain already have undoubted quality in midfield, with the likes of Rodri, Martín Zubimendi, Fabián Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Pedri and Álex Baena. But, Isco’s inclusion could be a masterstroke in Spain’s bid to make an impact at Euro 2024.

At recent major tournaments, we have seen Spain dominate possession but lack the crucial cutting edge to unlock defences. In Isco, De la Fuente could have the master key. As per fbref, Isco leads the way for Shot-Creating Actions per 90 minutes, while sitting third for key passes and second for passes into the penalty area. As well as boasting an eye for a pass, he carries the ball with impressive ease, retaining possession with his mesmerising footwork and gymnast-like balance. Only Sávio and Nico Williams have recorded more successful take-ons, while only Hugo Duro has drawn more fouls.

The Spaniard’s silky skills have never graced a European Championship and have only been exposed to just one major tournament – the 2018 World Cup. So could that all change this summer?

A starting position may be unlikely, but in a 26-man squad surely there is a spot for one of Spain’s most gifted footballers. Ultimately, the final decision rests with De la Fuente, and we should find out later this month what his verdict is. Following Isco’s stellar campaign, it would be a travesty if the comeback tour was deprived of an extra date in Germany.