‘Father and son’ – Rodriguez praises Ancelotti relationship and promises more to come at Everton
James Rodriguez has promised that he has more to give as Everton anticipate his imminent return from injury.
The Colombian playmaker hasn’t featured for the Toffees since their historic win against Liverpool last month due a calf issue, but he is expected to make his return following the international break.
Having scored five goals and registered a further eight assists in all competitions this season [Transfermarkt], the former Real Madrid star has indicated that he still has more to offer to the Blues.
Rodriguez also praised Ancelotti and said his relationship with the manager was like “father and son”.
Talking to evertonfc.com, James also reiterated his happiness on Merseyside, explaining that the experience of playing in the Premier League has added to his list of career highlights.
James said: “I’m reasonably happy with how I am playing. I think there’s more to come and I can hit some better form.
“But when I’ve performed well, it’s had a positive effect on the team, and that’s what I want: for the team to play good football and perform at a high standard.
“It’s been very easy to settle. I’ve come to a good club, a club that wants to achieve big things.
“I’m with a manager who knows exactly what I’m like. He knows how to relate to his players and staff. I get on fantastically well with him, just like a father and son, so everything was very easy and straightforward.
“The football is a lot more physical. There’s a lot of contact and you see fouls all the time. But these are all new experiences and I’m happy to be adding this one to my list.”
Opportune timing
James Rodriguez’s imminent return from injury couldn’t come at a more important time for Everton as we brace for our final ten games of the season.
Still just five points off Chelsea in fourth with a game in hand, the Blues have everything to play for, and while qualification to the Champions League might appear a touch optimistic the club should consider European football a very real possibility.
James has proven time and time again this season that his impressive technical ability and delectable touch can be used by Everton to devastating effect, so it makes for fantastic reading that he vows to continue upping his game.
According to WyScout, the Colombian has achieved the joint highest amount of second assists [5] alongside Bruno Fernandes and Tanguy Ndombele this season, while he averages the most [0.32] per 90 minutes.
James is undeniably one of the most naturally talented players to play for the club in the Premier League era, and the thought that we haven’t quite seen him at his best yet certainly whets the appetite for what is to come.
We have a real opportunity here to make a move in the Premier League and provide Carlo Ancelotti with the best platform to succeed next season, and James’ form will play a big part in ensuring everything goes to plan.
In other Everton news, Everton are ‘intent’ on signing Robin Olsen permanently this summer.