There's still over 18 months to go on Isco's Real Madrid deal but the Spaniard looks set to be the latest first-team player to have his long-term future confirmed by the capital club. After a summer of discontent where Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur made plays for the attacking midfielder, a series of strong performances have seemingly convinced Zinedine Zidane of his worthiness. "I still have this year and next [on my contract], both the club and myself are looking forward [to a renewal] and we hope to sort it out," Isco told reporters after the victory over Sporting CP. "I'm getting continuity now and am happy to help the team." With the win in Lisbon sealing progression to the Champions League first knockout round, Madrid must now beat Borussia Dortmund to top Group F and the midfielder believes it could be a similar match to the recent Madrid derby. "That's an important game, against a team that plays well on the counter-attack," noted Isco. "We will have to be patient, as we were versus Atleti."The Spain international featured as a playmaker in a new-look Los Blancos formation with the midfielder given the licence to roam behind Cristiano Ronaldo up front. And while it was Ronaldo who stole the headlines, Isco was the man pulling the strings with a pass accuracy of 91% and one key chance created. Ahead of the club's Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon, Zidane praised the former Golden Boy. "Isco's position is behind the striker as a No.10," Zidane said at his pre-match press conference. "It is where he is best, but he can play in many positions. He is doing phenomenally." While the French tactician has played his cards close to his chest so far, all the early indicators suggest that the former Malaga man will feature in a similar role on Tuesday evening. The match will mark the 24-year-old's first Champions League appearance of the season, and Real Madrid's fifth in the group stage. His absence on the continental stage to this point has been down to a lack of form following his ankle injury in August. But after a number of solid performances and with the backing of supporters, Isco will most likely break his duck against Sporting and in the position that he loves.
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