Santiago Solari's short time in charge at Real Madrid has been dominated by his reluctance to play Isco.

The Spanish playmaker flourished at times under Zinedine Zidane and was a big favourite of Julen Lopetegui's

However, Solari would seemingly rather play anyone than the former Valencia and Malaga midfielder.

In the midst of an injury crisis prior to the 2-1 win away at Real Betis on the weekend, Solari didn't even bring Isco off the bench.

The likes of Vinicius Junior, Brahim Diaz and youth product Cristo Gonzalez were all used instead of him in Seville.

A sorry state of affairs for a player who has all the potential to be a world beater, like he was in 2017/18.

The last time Isco completed more than 45 minutes for Real Madrid was during the 3-0 loss at home to CSKA Moscow on December 12, when he actually played the full 90.

It seems all but a certainty that the Spaniard will leave Los Blancos in either this transfer window or in the summer.

The reaction from former players on the Isco situation has been rather mixed, but former Real man Rafael van Der Vaart is certainly not an advocate of Solari's decision.

In an interview with Marca, the Dutchman made his feelings very clear and may have got a tad carried away at the same time.

Van der Vaart said: "It's crazy for me, he [Isco] is the best player in the world. But, he always has problems with coaches and even Zidane never trusted him 100 percent. When I go to watch Madrid I'll see if he starts and if not, I'm going home."

Best player in the world? Maybe a bit far, but there is no doubting that Isco can easily be one of the best in his position.

Whoever opts to take a risk on him will be getting a player capable of striking fear into any defender in world football.