Excellent form at club level translates into starts on the international stage, or so you would imagine.
One of the takeaways from the latest round of international friendlies is that, with the World Cup around the corner, players who haven’t been prominent for their domestic sides can still star for their national team.
Here’s a look at five players who have been out of favour for their respective clubs but maintain their place for their countries, even excelling.
ISCO | REAL MADRID | SPAIN
Isco’s quotes in the aftermath of his hat-trick against Argentina were quite revealing. He expressed his frustration at only being used sporadically at Real Madrid, stating he does not have Zinedine Zidane’s confidence.
The Spaniard has started just nine of Madrid’s last 20 outings in all competitions but remains integral to the national team with his latest performance arguably his best.
Isco
TOBY ALDERWEIRELD | TOTTENHAM | BELGIUM
A Belgium team heading into the World Cup without Toby Alderweireld at the heart of its defence is inconceivable, particularly with Vincent Kompany’s powers beginning to wane. Such is the defender’s importance to the national team.
According to Mauricio Pochettino though, he’s not quite as integral to Tottenham. The 29-year-old is in a stand-off with the club as he attempts to procure higher wages and the Spurs boss is having none of it, excluding him from the squad over the last month.
Toby Alderweireld
PAUL POGBA | MANCHESTER UNITED | FRANCE
Paul Pogba’s alleged falling out with Jose Mourinho is well documented with the Portuguese’s tactics in particular coming into question. The midfielder has been a shadow of himself in the last couple of months at Manchester United.
However, his outstanding performance for France in their 3-1 win over Russia, proved that he’s still got the class and ability that prompted United to spend a record fee to bring him back to Old Trafford.
Paul Pogba
JULIAN DRAXLER | PSG | FRANCE
An injury to Neymar has seen Julian Draxler enjoy more playing time at Paris Saint-Germain of late but is hardly first choice for the Ligue 1 giants, rarely being afforded a start in the first half of the season.
For Germany, the reigning world champions, the attacking midfielder appears to be a mainstay in the starting line up as Joachim Low settles on his best 11 going into the summer. Go figure.
Julian Draxler (l)
JOHN STONES | MANCHESTER CITY | ENGLAND
Pep Guardiola spent big money to recruit John Stones from Everton last season but the young centre-back, while impressing on occasion, has proved to be prone to error as well. With Nicolas Otamendi’s form and the signing of Aymeric Laporte, the Englishman is no longer assured of a starting berth.
He’s started just three of City’s last 10 fixtures in all competitions but he appears to be a regular in Gareth Southgate’s three-man defence for England. His habit of playing out from the back under Guardiola is a handy asset.
John Stones