When James Rodriguez lite up the world cup in Brazil with dazzling performances, won the golden boot at the tournament, add that to the fact he played for lowly Monaco you just knew he was on his way to superstardom and glamour. What club suited his superstardom amd glamour? Real Madrid. Before the tournament ended rumours of a potential move to Madrid sufficed. He added fuel to the fire when he said he would jump straight at the opportunity to join Real. I wrote (see article here https://soccerbants.wordpress.com/2014/06/29/james-rodriguez-a-talent-but-not-worth-it-yet/ at the time about how he was a talent but due to his world cup exploits, his achievements with Monaco and the price from which he moved from Porto the previous year, he would be valued at €90m. It was no surprise really when he moved for he 5th highest transfer in world football for €80m. Was he worth it at the time? No. However, Madrid wanted him, €80m was the price Monaco wanted and Florentino Perez paid.
World football went crazy, about how he wasn't worth it. How he was overpriced, overrated, how he was only bought to sell shirts (mind you he regained his transfer fee in shirt sales in a week) a one-tournament wonder (as Graeme Souness said on Sky). More trouble came out when story came out that Angel Di Maria had asked to leave Madrid. For some reason world football and some Madrid fans attacked James, saying he was at fault. Others criticized Florentino Perez of selling his "engine" for another car part, alluding to how Makelele left in 2003. This i found baffling, considering Di Maria left on his own accord, after the club refused to up his contract to €10m a year which only 2 people at the club earned/earn above that (Casillas & Ronaldo).
James on the other hand, made a great start to life in a Madrid shirt, scoring on his debut after coming off the bench against Atletico Madrid in a 1-1 draw. After that game he never looked back. Scoring spectacular goals, delivering assits and causing trouble for opposition and adding intricacy to Madrid's play all while playing in a withdrawn role from his favorite number 10 position. He worked his socks of always running, helping in winning the ball back and creating chances for the BBC. Either as a right winger or the aforementioned midfield. James was sublime. By early November many Madrid fans have falling in love with him and forgotten about Di Maria.
When James got injured in early February against Sevilla, you could sense the fear in some quarters. He has basically carried Madrid through January. He was out for 3 months and the next game against Atletico Madrid, his loss was felt as Madrid labored to create anything in a 4-0 drubbing. That was the case of most of the games James missed. There was talk among Madrid fans that Isco should start ahead of James when everyone was fit. This I found baffling again, cause although Isco is a wonderful talent, he is not as good as James. This was seen in the clasico right before James returned. Isco was impressive, but Madrid lacked that extra bite James would have certainly brought along. His first game back brought about 2 assists in a 60-minute cameo in the 9-1 annihilation of Granada. Normally players need time to get their sharpness back, but he took no time & was even better than when he got injured. The BBC looked better as well.
If there is one criticism this writer may have on the Colombian is that, he is too reliant on his left foot. Granted that, that left foot, probably has one of the best accuray on it at Madrid, as this free kick demonstrates https://vine.co/v/egY3iXF52bD . However, a time would come when defenders would try to force him onto his right, which would become a problem. Although he does have the tendency to deliver a lovely outside foot cross or shot (Atletico 1st leg UCL). Either way, with 17 assists altogether, and 16 from his left foot, my point is proven.
With Rafa Benitez now in charge & a change to a 4-2-3-1 system touted, it opens up his real position, the number 10 role. However reports in Spain say James would still not be given that position, as Bale or Benzema are being looked at for that role. If this is true, we're looking at the possibility of James being pushed out of position to the flanks.
His season may not have been rewarded with success, however with 17 goals, 17 assists, stunning goals and scintillating displays James Rodriguez has won over the hearts of Madrid fans, made them forget about Di Maria and become a vital component in the team & arguably Madrid's best player this past season.
