Goodison News speaking to Kevin Campbell

Fri 8 January 2021 12:00, UK

We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…

Kevin Campbell has claimed that it may take a little bit of time before James Rodriguez is back to his best for Everton. 

Rodriguez returned from his most recent injury knock in the Toffees’ 1-0 Premier League loss to West Ham after missing his club’s last five games in all competitions.

The Colombian was unable to produce anything during his 26 minutes on the pitch and Campbell believes this may be the case until Rodriguez gets back up to speed.

Speaking to Goodison News, Campbell said, “I think Everton miss him. Obviously, in the West Ham game, they missed someone with a bit of craft and guile and an eye for a pass. 

“We’ve got to remember he’s been out of it for a while and he’s just come back. It’s going to take him a little time to capture the pace of the game even from the bench. 

“Maybe in the next game, he’s going to start and I’m sure Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be licking his lips because Everton have missed Rodriguez.”

Rodriguez’s stats against West Ham prove that he wasn’t quite at the races as his side lost 1-0.

According to Wyscout, only 67% of the Colombian’s total actions were successful against West Ham while he failed to complete a successful cross.

However. he did make three progressive runs as he tried to drive his team forward which suggests that he was full of running.

This bodes well for Rodriguez as he showed no signs of still carrying an injury.

What doesn’t make for good reading is that the Toffees won all four of their Premier League games without Rodriguez but he was unable to help extend that record on his return.

Hopefully, Rodriguez is given more minutes this weekend against Rotherham so he can continue his recovery and help Everton progress in the FA Cup.

In other Everton news, our panel of Toffees Super Fans have had their say on this weekend’s FA Cup clash.