Real Madrid midfielder, Isco Alarcon has been praised by his national team coach, Julen Lopetegui following a performance of maturity and growth against Italy on Saturday.
Isco scored two goals to inspire La Roja to a 3-0 defeat of Italy in a World Cup qualifier played in Madrid, with Alvaro Morata scoring the third after coming on as a second half substitute.
While Lopetegui was full of praise for his team’s performance on the night, he singled out Isco for praise.
“He made a great match, like the rest of this team mates,” Lopetegui said moments after the match. “He unlocked the match.
“He scored two fantastic goals, and has been very good under pressure. He wants to be a main player and fortunately he is with us.
? CRÓNICA | @isco_alarcon pone a la @SeFutbol a un paso de Rusia ??https://t.co/GnMKA8eqMj pic.twitter.com/zHqlLLI6IY
— Selección Española (@SeFutbol) September 2, 2017
“He has had more games and it makes you grow, mature and polished. He is great player. He has grown significantly with and without the ball.
The result meant Spain are still unbeaten since Lopetegui became manager, and now lead Italy at the top by three points.
For their manager, Lopetegui, he couldn’t be more satisfied with the outcome.
“We had great confidence, tremendous spirit and knew how to solve complicated moments,” he added.
“I’m content and satisfied because it was a very complicated opponent.”
Up next for Lopetegui and Spain is a match against Liechtenstein on Tuesday, as the road to Russia next year continues.