It has been a tough 2016 for James Rodriguez as he continues to try and break into the starting XI with regularity. After coming on as a substitute against Sporting Lisbon, and providing the game winning assist to Alvaro Morata, it’s time for the Colombian to start in the midfield.
There was only praise from French manager Zinedine Zidane of James who he brought on in the 77th minute with his team trailing to Sporting. In just over 15 minutes of action, James contributed three chances, and ultimately the game winning assist with just seconds remaining in stoppage time.
James has yet to start a game for Real Madrid this season (including pre-season) but has still found a way to contribute two assists in just 47 minutes of action thus far this season. And according to Whoscored.com, James has accumulated a total match rating just below 7 out of 10.
“James Rodriguez has not been starting games, but he can,” said Zidane of James, per Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC. “Not just for the 15 minutes he played today. What I value is the day-to-day work, and James is doing that well. He will get his chances, today he came on and made the difference. I am happy with his performance.”
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Unlike Isco, who is again strongly considering leaving Madrid for playing time elsewhere, James continues to fight for his position despite Real having such a deep midfield.
(Photo by Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
Zidane recognized the energy level needed to be increased and the substitutes he made were all very effective.
“With the changes I wanted the team to do more—the three gave us something,” he said. “The important thing is I have these players who can make the difference, not every coach has these resources. I have the fortune to have a complete squad where they all feel important.”
Although bringing James off the bench is a great option, he is too good of a player to be used so sparingly. His passing abilities, his pace, and his knowledge of the game are all stunning and at the ripe age of 25, he could developed into an even better player as hard as it is to believe.
I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Zidane decided to start James this Saturday at Espanyol. Zidane knows it, and Real Madrid fans do as well. James should be on the field more.
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