Can Isco and Asensio be the long-term successors to Xavi and Iniesta?

The first time that Xavi and Iniesta played together for the national team was in May 2006 under the watchful eye of Luis Aragones. 11 years later, in September 2017 Julen Lopetegui turned to Marco Asensio and Isco, the two players tasked with being the new Xavi and Iniesta.

There are a few similarities between the two pairs, with both pairs boasting a four-year age gap between the youngest and oldest member. The legendary duo came through the ranks at Barcelona, whilst the young pretenders are proud Madridistas.

Obviously, at this moment in time it is impossible to compare the two pairs in terms of successes at both club and international level but one can certainly dream that the new kids on the block can go on to have the same impact for 'La Roja' as their predecesors did.

Xavi and Iniesta, as well as being key components in Spain's recent success, were also the faces of arguably the best Barcelona side in history, a touch act for Isco and Asensio to follow.

Social media was also swamped with comparisons between Isco and Iniesta following Friday's victory over Italy, with this image of Isco...

Este es Isco, jugando para España vs. Italia. Rodeado de 5 rivales. Si fuera otro jugador, esta foto tendría un millón de rt. pic.twitter.com/J8BP0ND1Yk

— La gorda llorona (@Lagordallorona) 3 September 2017

...reminding many people of a similar image from 2012 featuring Iniesta.

Andres Iniesta contra Italia en la Eurocopa 2012, Rodeado por 5 rivales: pic.twitter.com/RHQIgZKT

— Tips Fútbol (@TipsFutbol) 3 January 2013

There are those who believe that the Real Madrid pair can never match up to their Catalan counterparts but for the sake of the Spanish national team, there are also plenty hoping that they do.