THE NEXT DAVID SILVA?

By Luke Parkinson
Updated: 13 December, 2011

Of all the big money signings made by Malaga during the summer transfer window, one seemed to go under the radar slightly.

While the capture of big name players such as Ruud van Nistelrooy, Jeremy Toulalan and most notably, Sant Cazorla grabbed the headlines, the arrival of 19-year-old Francisco Alarcón from Valencia attracted little attention.

He could prove to be the pick of the bunch however.

In fact the former Mestalla youth protege, better known as ‘Isco’ has already made a big impact at the Andalusian club and has drawn comparisons to the mercurial David Silva, no mean feat at all.

The 19-year-old signed for Manuel Pelligrini’s side in July for a rumoured €6 million, penning a five year deal which will keep him at La Rosadela until 2016. His contract also includes a €20million buy-out clause which will rise to €24million by the end of his contract, showing how much Malaga rate the player, and his potential to develop over the next few years.

Despite having already made eight appearances, including five starts, Isco is still very much seen as ‘one for the future’ but his form so far has already prompted Spanish pundits to liken him to ex-Valencia star Silva, a player he can very much replicate in much more than just his looks.

He shares very similar traits to that of the Manchester City man, he has lighting quick feet, a football-intelligent brain and the ability to know what is around him when making that defence splitting pass. Like Silva, his best position is just behind the striker, but he can be just as effective in wider areas, both allowing him to pick the ball up and make things happen, very much a ‘play-maker’ style role, a role we have seen him already slot into since his move to Malaga.

English fans have already had a glimpse of his talents in the U19 European Championship earlier this year in Switzerland, where his fantastic free-kick saw Spain take the lead against England before the game eventually finished 1-1.

Isco has also scored his fair share of spectacular goals in domestic football, his brace for former team Valencia against UD Logroñés last season also saw two unbelievable strikes. The second being a ‘Messi like’ run through the heart of a crowded defence, and his performance in that game explains why he is being compared to the likes of Silva.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=0Tox61voulQ

Isco is definitely one for the future, for both club and country. If he continues to express his potential at Malaga, he will no doubt be granted a full international appearance in the national team, adding to his impressive performances in the younger sides.

If he does manage to reach his full potential, a lucrative move to a bigger side in Barça or Real could also be on the cards, or maybe even a move overseas to the Premier League, where two ex-Valencia men in Silva and Juan Mata are currently making waves.

Either way, Isco Alarcón is definitely one to keep an eye on.

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