Zinedine Zidane Claims Isco Is 'Like a Street Player' After Midfielder's Brace in Espanyol Victory

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has compared Isco to a "street player" after the midfielder scored twice in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Espanyol at the Bernabeu.

The Spaniard scored a goal in either half as Los Blancos dispatched a resilient, but ultimately toothless Espanyol side, and secured a vital win.

And Zidane was effusive in his praise for Isco after the game, stressing his importance to the team amid the plethora of talented attacking players.

"He knows he’s an important player for us, he plays like a street player, and I like that," Zidane said, quoted by Football Espana.

“He doesn’t get anxious if things don’t turn out the way they’re supposed to and he’s patient. He’s been very comfortable on the pitch and I’m happy we’ve seen a better Isco."

On the overall performance of his side, Zidane said: “We start matches very well.

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“We entered the dressing room 1-0 up were always patient. The first half was very good. The idea was that our forwards would link up. We can be happy

“The most important thing today was to pick up the three points after our first three games at home.

“I think we were a bit tired in the second half, but after the seven games that we’ve had, it’s quite normal."

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After Real Madrid's slow start, and impressive beginnings to the campaign for both Sevilla and Valencia, Zidane admitted that there could be a more open title race this season.

"I don’t think this title will be a two or three-horse race," he said. “It’s clear that this League is the most complicated in the world, but it’s good for the show.

“We’re going to play in some very complicated matches, but I prefer to play against teams that come here to play their game.”