Isco and Asensio hand Solari selection headache

"I do not believe in anyone being indispensable, neither now, nor when I played," declared the Madrid boss, after being pressed on the reason for the continued absence of Spaniard Isco. 

Yet both Isco and Marco Asensio would then throw the gauntlet back to their manager, after both producing sublime individual displays in the Copa del Rey this week.

Since the sacking of Julen Lopetegui and he arrival of Solari everything has changed for the pair. From being immediate starters every match, they have been put on the back burner, overlooked for other players such as Lucas Vazquez, Dani Ceballos and even Fede Valverde.

The more clear omission has been Isco. The Malaga native has seen a huge decrease in involvement, and was even left out of the squad entirely by Solari, most notably against Roma at the Stadio Olympico in the Champions League.

Yet something seems to have changed for 'Los Blancos' number 22. He enjoyed rare minutes against Eibar and Valencia, and at the weekend, was handed the captain's armband for the clash with UD Melilla. The midfielder responded by showing that he is keen to win back the trust of Santiago Solari.

He took big strides, controlled the play and commanded the young Madrid team, and performed well alongside the other star men Vinicius Junior and Asensio. 

Asensio has also received the cold treatment in recent weeks, albeit not to the same extent as his senior compatriot.

Against Melilla, he scored a brace, and added a directness to a side that had been calling out for it in recent weeks. He also showed his prowess in the assists department. 

Madrid's coach may have made his feelings on team selections clear in recent times, but both Isco and Asensio have stepped up to his demands. The next match, away to Huesca, could see the duo force a repeat appearance in the starting XI.