Fernando Sanz: Isco will be crucial to Madrid and Spain

The 40-year-old believes the young attacking midfielder has great potential but says he must be patient as he continues to develop

Former Real Madrid and Malaga defender Fernando Sanz says attacking midfielder Isco can be one of his side's most important players in the near future.

The 20-year-old joined los Blancos from Malaga last summer and has played a big role in their campaign as they continue to challenge for La Liga, the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

Sanz says the Spain international could become an integral player for club and country if he continues to develop but insists he needs to remain patient at this stage in his career.

“Throughout the history of Real Madrid we have seen cases like Isco,” Sanz said in an interview with the LFP which was published by Marca.

“Players that have a great season for one team and then they join Madrid for a considerable amount of money and they start strong and then disappear a little.

“He is young and I think Carlo Ancelotti knows exactly how to treat him. Perhaps being given excessive praise can be harmful. It’s typical of a young player at Madrid.

“Isco will be the benchmark of Madrid and the Spain national team but it takes patience because he is very young and still learning.”