Martin Keown claims James Rodriguez is on a different wavelength to Everton forwards
Martin Keown was awestruck by Everton midfielder James Rodriguez despite Everton losing 1-0 to Sheffield United on Sunday night.
The Colombian playmaker was making his return to the side after an injury-enforced absence saw him miss the last three games.
He failed to last the full game as he was substituted in the 78th minute for Bernard but he left a lasting impression on former Everton defender Keown, who was commentating on the game for BT Sport.
Rodriguez tried to pick out Richarlison in the first half of their defeat to the Blades but the move proved unsuccessful.
BT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher remarked, “It’s an interesting idea from James to try and get Richardson running blindside of the Sheffield United defence though it didn’t quite work out in the end, but it was a nice idea.”
“It was wasn’t it, his vision is exceptional,” Keown replied.
“I just don’t know if the front players are attuned into that all of the time.”
Different wavelengths
Rodriguez is used to playing behind elite-level attacking talents like Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski so he’s had to make some adjustments this season.
Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are big talents that can be something special in the future but they’re still developing at Everton and need time to blossom.
They need help and that’s something the Blues board need to address in the summer.
There’s a severe lack of pace in the side and that doesn’t suit Rodriguez who needs quick and clever players making incisive movements behind or in between the defenders.
That allows him space to weave his magic and he can then deliver inch-perfect balls to split defences.
The 29-year-old has looked frustrated with his teammates at times this season and it’s no wonder why.
In other Everton news, pundit slams Blues ace for ‘Almost unforgivable’ moment in 1-0 loss v Sheffield United.
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