It's been said on this website that on recent form Isco is the best player in the world. I have not been saying this, but Isco made me a believer today with his performance in Spain's 3-0 win against Italy, all but guaranteeing them World Cup qualification.
Isco's first goal was a beautiful free kick that hopefully ensures Sergio Ramos never again decides he should be the one to take set pieces for Spain.
Brilliant Free Kick Goal by Isco against Italy. pic.twitter.com/4bqcsyhWpd
— RM GIFs (@hbkmano) September 2, 2017
The second goal was even better.
Ladies and Gentlemen ISCO Againpic.twitter.com/MThjk9t4aF
— N|O|J (@nanaohemengjnr) September 2, 2017
Then he ended the battle of the precocious wunderkind midfielders by nutmegging Marco Verratti into oblivion.
Isco with a savage meg on Verratti. #ESPITA https://t.co/OvH8NSPf0i
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) September 2, 2017
After Isco was done humiliating Italy, Sergio Ramos and Alvaro Morata finished off what the Goths started in the year 376 with a vicious, surgical counterattack.
Alvaro Morata scores for Spain! pic.twitter.com/ismqugJAd2
— Throwback Chelsea (@ThrowbackCFC) September 2, 2017
The story of the day, though, was this man:
David Villa comes on for Spain for the first time in 1167 days!
Last game: vs Australia, 2014 World Cup group stage https://t.co/1DsITSnm3z— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) September 2, 2017
El Guaje, Spain's all-time leading scorer, stepped on the field to ensure Spain kept control of the game until the final whistle. Some of you might think that David Villa had little to do with this result because he was on the pitch for fewer than five minutes. Repeat after me: YOU CAN'T MEASURE LEADERSHIP.
Villa needs only two more caps to get to 100. We certainly hope he makes it there.