Leon Osman urges James Rodriguez to step up Everton away performances
Leon Osman has called on Everton star James Rodriguez to start producing when playing away from Goodison Park.
The Toffees number 19 found the net in the 1-1 draw with Leicester City on Wednesday evening, taking his tally to four this season.
Speaking on BT Sport, Osman was full of praise for the Colombian’s goal but demanded more from him away from home.
“It’s a moment of magic in a game that, it’s not unfair to say, was pretty dull first half,” said Osman.
“Everton defended well, he brought it alive with that moment of class. That’s why you have people like him in your side.
“It’s now time for him to step up and do it in away games as well because half the games are away from home.
“At first it’s a quirk but you look at the goal involvements, I think eleven now at Goodison, you start to wonder what the difference is for him.
“They’ll [managing staff] want to start seeing him do that away from home as well”.
Happy at home
James was a massive coup for Everton when he signed on loan during the summer. The 29-year-old has played top flight football in Germnay, Portugal, Spain, France and now in England, and is of very high pedigree.
The Columbian has amassed four goals and six assists in 16 appearances this season. As stated, none have come away from home.
Of the 16 matches he’s played in, only six of these have actually been away from Goodison Park, suggesting the stat isn’t as alarming.
The Toffees have infact only lost one of these six fixtures, a 2-0 defeat at St Mary’s to Southampton. They’ve picked up all three points in four of these games.
James has still averaged 82.7% passing accuracy and 64.3% succesful dribbles in these away matches, so he’s clearly still performing at a high level [Wyscout].
You’d imahine it’s only a matter of time before he scored or assists away from home.
In other Everton news, CSKA Moscow to make bid for Toffees striker.