By David Cartlidge (@davidjaca)

This past summer was undoubtedly a low moment in the career of Isco. While a Euro 2016 absence came as no surprise, it did offer a timely reminder that Isco wasn’t on his desired career path.

Something had to change this season, and for awhile it hadn’t been forthcoming. That is until Saturday evening, when Isco picked the biggest game of Real Madrid’s season so far to produce his most memorable performance for some time.

In the opening 15 minutes he perhaps set the tone by flicking the ball over the heads of Atletico Madrid’s players on two occasions. First over Koke, then a charging Stefan Savic. It suggested Isco would be in control on the night, and it turned out to be the case. He was switched on throughout, mixing the style with plenty of substance; he was more than once the winner of a 50/50 ball in the middle of the field. When in possession he released the ball decisively too.

The latter is something that continues to come up when discussing Isco. During Carlo Ancelotti’s time at the club, the Italian reportedly grew tired of seeing Isco hog the ball and take an age to make a decision. Still however, he saw something in the player to retain faith with him, and Isco was the sixth most utilised player under Ancelotti in his final season at the Bernabeu. Maybe Ancelotti leaving was what cost Isco his place in that Spain squad over the summer, for his career was on the trajectory expected before then. 

Nonetheless, Rafael Benitez’s reign would have its victims and Isco would be one of those sacrificed. The two never seemed to get on and there was a constant stream of reports of clashes between the pair. These ranged from Benitez being generally upset with Isco’s attitude, to the frankly ludicrous of the player being caught laughing on the bench when Real Madrid fell behind in a game. Whatever went on, Isco suffered as a result. Benitez leaving allowed Isco to breathe again, and briefly under Zidane he did exactly that - before the old habits kicked in. Zidane has been another at odds with Isco’s performances and decision making on the field, and rather than it being personal it does appear to be a tactical concern from the Frenchman.

Imagine the surprise then, in one of the most tactically intense battles of the season, Isco turns up in such a profound manner. The hope is the performance at the Calderon was something of a watershed moment for the 24-year-old. And well, for the manager too. The attitude and focus shown by Isco pleased Zidane and maybe alleviated concerns he had about using Isco as a chess piece in a game. Not only was he hard working and focused, but he played with intelligence and a subtle assurance.

"I am delighted with the way Isco played up front behind Cristiano [Ronaldo], which I think is his best position," Zidane said during his post-match press conference. Indeed, Isco’s position just off the frontline allowed him freedom  - but not too much. He was handed some slack but still remained on Zidane's leash. Isco was tasked with dropping in to deep midfield and through wide areas, but also allowed to roam centrally when he moved into the attacking phase. In a game against a team who assemble behind the ball quickly, there was no place for Isco’s bad habit of dwelling in possession. It was quick release, one after another. His action on the second goal, when Isco moved to quickly win a duel - before looping a ball over the top of Atleti’s defense with one touch - was evidence of that. 

Isco is still only 24, and yes, there are still bad habits to kick. But few players don’t have any of those - and even fewer have his talent. Isco may be playing catch-up but he can also be ahead in no time.