Zinedine Zidane backs James Rodriguez, Isco

Zinedine Zidane speaks at a press conference after he is unveiled as Real Madrid manager on January 4, 2016
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Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane insists that Isco and James Rodriguez are both vital to his plans, despite their lack of action in recent months.

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has insisted that James Rodriguez and Isco are both "important" players for Los Blancos, despite their lack of action in recent weeks.

Casemiro's form in the middle of midfield has directly impacted on Isco's playing time in 2016, while James Rodriguez has dropped behind the likes of Lucas Vazquez and Jese Rodriguez in the pecking order.

James did not even come off the bench against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday night, but Zidane has said that he still has full confidence in the pair.

[All my players are important. I give importance to all my players by playing them more and playing them less. Isco and James are two important players on the team. I'm aware that they are players who can play more, but I give them the same importance as others," Zidane told reporters.

"They are ready [for Saturday] and have trained very well. It's true that many things have been said, but when they play, they do well and that's the most important thing for a coach."

Real Madrid will continue their La Liga title challenge away to Real Sociedad on Saturday afternoon.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona362745104297585
2Atletico MadridAtletico36274560164485
3Real Madrid362664105327384
4Villarreal361810844311364
5Athletic Bilbao361771255441158
6Celta Vigo36169115057-757
7Sevilla361410124943652
8Malaga361112133433145
9Valencia361111144444044
10Las PalmasLas Palmas36127174449-543
11Real Sociedad36119164247-542
12EibarEibar36119164656-1042
13Real Betis361011153150-1941
14Espanyol36117183667-3140
15Deportivo La CorunaDeportivo36718114359-1639
16Granada3699184265-2336
17Rayo Vallecano36811174870-2235
18Getafe3698193564-2935
19Sporting GijonSporting Gijon3698193761-2435
20Levante3678213466-3229
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