Five Real Madrid stars who come closest to Zidane as a player

Matt Haynes | January 5, 2016

While the dust may have settled around the Bernabeu for now in wake of Rafa Benitez’s dismissal and the appointment of Zinedine Zidane, it is fair to say we can expect much comment and analysis in the ensuing days surrounding details of exactly what the Frenchman may bring to the club.

Coral, meanwhile, explore whether Zidane will bring back the Madrid of old for the rest of the La Liga season, that he was a part of and, as such, we thought where better place to start than by identifying which players could take up his old role the best.

Isco

The Spanish attacking midfielder has shown so much potential over his short career so far, though the 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from the club due to inconsistent performances.

However, in 2013, Isco was credited by Spanish journalist Pablo Pablo as being “the most promising young player in Spanish football”, comparing his vision and passing abilities to that of, Zidane himself.

James Rodriguez

His performances and goals at the 2014 World Cup with Colombia were reminiscent of some of Zidane’s performances in the Frenchman’s pomp.

At Real, 11/2 with Coral to win La Liga, he hasn’t quite had a chance to be at his best, with Cristiano Ronaldo taking the limelight. While he doesn’t possess the range, or even the quality of passing as Zidane, his spectacular and instinctive finishing are a reminder of what the World Cup winner could do.