Carlo Ancelotti has said the struggles experienced by Real Madrid playmaker Isco this season remind him of those that AC Milan legend Clarence Seedorf went through a decade ago.
The 22-year-old summer signing from Malaga has found himself in and out of the side this season, and a victim of Ancelotti’s preference for the 4-3-3 system. Isco started the campaign in blistering form, but with Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema the recognised front three, and Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric all but guaranteed to start, there has been little room for Isco to make his mark in recent months.
Seedorf, now manger at the San Siro after hanging up his boots, also underwent similar frustrations when Ancelotti was in charge of the Italian giants.
And speaking to reporters, the Italian, who has lead Los Blancos on a 29-game unbeaten run, said he can see similarities between the pair.
“We have spoken for a month about how he can adapt. We haven’t been able to play with him in his usual position,” he stated.
And he continued: “He played very well against Schalke and Atletico Madrid. He is closer to starting. I had a similar case: Seedorf was an attacking central midfielder who, with sacrifice, played in a different position. Isco can do what Seedorf did.”
Ancelotti also had words of praise for Karim Benzema, who has scored 11 goals in 14 games so far in 2014.
“Benzema is comfortable in the side and with our play,” Ancelotti added. “That’s the reason. He’s concentrating on his work, and this is what pays off.”
