How do you go from being one of the top players during your debut season with a new club, to being the last option when your team needs some talent up front to win a crucial match?
That's what happened to James Rodriguez in less than a year. Following a scintillating maiden season with Real Madrid, the Colombian ace wasn't able to perform the same way in his sophomore year with Los Blancos. His very public dispute with Rafa Benitez, and his apparent falling out with Zinedine Zidane due to disciplinary reasons have the Colombian star on the verge of being transferred away. But is his career with the Spanish giants really over?
Real Madrid's French boss should at least reconsider his stance when it comes to Rodriguez's future, given his extraordinary performance with Colombia this summer. The talented playmaker has been a key asset for Los Cafeteros' run in the Copa América, showing glimpses of the form that dazzled Santiago Bernabeu's crowd.
Added to the enormous amount of cash Florentino Perez spent to sign him two summers ago, it feels like the midfielder still has a lot of football left in his boots...if he's given the right tools.
The Colombian player has fallen down Los Blancos' pecking order, with Zidane usually picking other players as substitutes. Lately, Rodriguez's appearances with the Spanish giants last no longer than 30 minutes.
The lowest point during James' stint with Los Blancos this season came in the UEFA Champions League final. The French tactician chose Lucas Vázquez, Jesé and Danilo as subs and left the ex-Porto FC skipper on the bench. Being snubbed by Zidane was taken as a sign of things to come, and transfer rumors started surrounding the Colombian...but that was before the Copa América began.
Rodriguez has scored two goals and assisted his team-mates as well. His influence in the team's performances has been impressive, and to prove that point, the only game he didn't start for La Selección Colombia ended in a 3-2 loss against Costa Rica.
Colombia's coach José Pekerman has made it abundantly clear: James is the most important player in his roster. When he chose to give the armband to the Cúcuta-born player, the Argentine boss raised a few eyebrows, especially because other players such as Radamel Falcao had been playing for Colombia's senior team even before Rodriguez did. The No.10 playmaker is highly praised by his team-mates, because he leads them both on and off the pitch. If trusted by Zinedine Zidane, he could certainly replicate his stellar Copa America Centenario show for Real Madrid next season.
Who are all the players looking at to lead the dance? James!
James Rodriguez and his Colombia teammates have a locker room dance off.
— Mike Sanz (@mikesanz19) June 18, 2016
https://t.co/6fwV0QYfp2
Two weeks before he celebrates his 25th birthday, the Colombian player seems to have his best years ahead of him. Considering that teams such as Manchester United, Juventus and Chelsea are following closely how the "James Rodriguez Bernabeu Saga" ends, his display in the South American tournament could give Real Madrid's coach a hint about how to use him for the greater good of Los Blancos.
The Ronaldo factor
Sources in Spain claim that the only person preventing James' transfer away from the club is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese ace clicked with Rodriguez the minute they met, and they like to hang out off the pitch.
There's no question about CR7's leadership inside Real Madrid's locker room, and losing not one, but two of your most talented players is something that Florentino Pérez cannot afford, no matter the price tag he places on both of them. Cristiano Ronaldo struggled to find a "partner in crime" following Angel Di María's departure a couple of summers ago. Watching Rodriguez leave as well is not something that Ronaldo may allow to happen.
Taking into consideration his age, his vibrant form, and a possible falling out between Florentino Perez and some of the Real Madrid's key names, it would turn out to be a huge mistake to sell James Rodriguez. Zinedine Zidane has claimed that the South American will not bid farewell to the club this summer, but will the club's president listen to the 1998 FIFA World Cup champion?
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