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WATCH: Is Isco the Closest Thing to Andres Iniesta in World Football?

WATCH: Is Isco the Closest Thing to Andres Iniesta in World Football?

He's a joy to watch when he gets going...

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Is Isco the closest thing to Andres Iniesta in world football? On the evidence of Real Madrid's late win over Sporting Gijon today, that's definitely the case.

The Barcelona legend turns 33 this year and his reduced role in the starting XI over recent years has everyone thinking about football without him.

That's a huge problem for Barca, who have failed to find his successor so far and could end up with a huge void in their midfield when the time comes that he does decide to leave or retire.

It's an issue for football in general too, as we've enjoyed Iniesta's genius for the last 15 years during his glorious career.

Image: PA

So who will replace him as the dribbling and assist master? We think Isco could be that man - and he showed why in Madrid's victory over Sporting Gijon today.

The little midfielder was in Zinedine Zidane's starting XI and inspired them to a 3-2 win with two goals and an assist on the other.

Image: PA

But it wasn't just his productivity that was Iniesta-esque - it was his dribbling:

And this compilation highlights just how impressive Isco was in the win over Gijon:

His passing would have made Iniesta proud too, completing 84 of his 89 attempted passes in the game.

Image: PA

There was talk over the last month that Isco may look to run out his existing contract at Madrid so he can sign for rivals Barcelona.

On this form, that would be a brilliant bit of business for the Catalan giants.

This story was first featured on talkingbaws.com - simple, shareable sport. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Isco, FC Barcelona, Andres Iniesta, Real Madrid