Spain look in pretty formidable shape ahead of next year's World Cup.

Julen Lopetegui's men took another big step towards qualifying for the 2018 tournament in Russia by convincingly beating Italy 3-0 on Saturday.

The 2010 world champions are now three points ahead of the Italians in Group G with just three games remaining.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has been very key to that success as Spain have only conceded three times from their seven qualifiers to date.

But it's another Spanish star currently playing in the form of his life who has really turned heads around Europe over the last month.

Isco followed up his fantastic start to the new campaign with Real Madrid by picking up a brace against Italy during another impressive display.

Having been considered a rotation option at the Bernabeu for the last few years, the 25-year-old appears to be ready to make a telling contribution for club and country.

And his fine start to 2017/18 has prompted De Gea to back Isco become 'one of the greatest'.

"Personally I have known Isco for a long time so it’s no surprise to me what he’s doing," the United keeper said, as per The Independent.

"I have seen him doing incredible things for so long now, people shouldn’t be surprised either. He’s been performing at a high level and doing incredible things on the pitch for some time.

“He’s at the top level now and that’s great for the team. We hope he keeps improving.

“Bearing in mind his personality, he’ll become one of the greatest.”

High praise indeed.

Previously, only Neymar has been considered as a legitimate heir to the throne at the top of the game that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have shared for so long.

But Isco could well be the one to lead a talented young Spanish contingent - which could include Madrid teammate Marco Asensio -
to challenge for top individual honours in the years to come.