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Real Madrid news: Rafael van der Vaart reveals he refuses to watch when Isco gets snubbed
REAL MADRID midfielder Isco has been named as the ‘best in the world’ by World Cup runner-up Rafael van der Vaart - who says he doesn't watch unless he's in the team.
Former Real Madrid, Tottenham and Ajax midfielder Van der Vaart has made a sensational claim about Spain international Isco, who is struggling for game time in the Spanish capital.
Isco has been left out of the Madrid 11 on several occasions this season but started in the 1-0 Copa del Rey defeat to Leganes on Wednesday.
"It's crazy for me (Isco’s lack of playing time), he is the best player in the world,” Van der Vaart told Marca.
“But, he always has problems with coaches and even Zidane never trusted him 100 per cent.
“When I go to watch Madrid I'll see if he starts and if not, I'm going home."
26-year-old Isco has made 22 appearances for Madrid this season but only 13 times in the league, scoring once.
His best season for Los Blancos was the 2016/17 season when he notched 10 league goals and started in Madrid’s Champions League final victory over Juventus.
“I don't think it's a matter of attitude,” Van der Vaart said of Madrid’s poor form.
The pressure at Madrid is madness
“They have lost Cristiano and Zinedine Zidane, they will surely finish well and win more trophies.
"The pressure at Madrid is madness. When they win they are the best and when they lose they are the worst.
"I had to experience the worst week of my life there, but it's normal because Madrid is a great club and you have to know how to cope with it."
Santiago Solari is currently caretaker boss at Real, but he is unlikely to remain at the Bernabeu beyond the end of the current season.
One man linked with a stunning return to the Spanish capital is former Chelsea and Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.
"I like him a lot because of how he is, he's very direct.” Van der Vaart said of his former boss.
“In Holland we like direct people. He's able to tell you that 'you don't play’.
“I would like to see him return to Madrid. Why not? He's 'the Special One' and he is a winner. I don't only like him as a person but as a coach, he has won a lot."