Kevin Campbell: James Rodriguez can still have big impact at Everton
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell has not ruled out Everton playmaker James Rodriguez still making a big impact at Goodison Park next season.
The Colombian is reportedly free to find another club, and has struggled with his fitness throughout pre-season already.
Campbell believes that injuries are to be expected during preparations for the new campaign, and Rafa Benitez won’t be reading too much into that.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Campbell said, “He’s just not used to the rough and tumble in England.
“It may take some time though, he’s just gone through his first season and you do pick up niggles in pre-season.
“I wouldn’t read to much into that, he could still play a big part.”
Still possible.
Rodriguez is on big wages in Merseyside, and with suitors at a minimum, as it stands, he looks set to stay for the foreseeable future.
Benitez isn’t a fool, and if the South American can get his fitness back to a good level, he will be used.
The Toffees relied on Rodriguez when he was able to start last season, and he was a great supply chain to Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
No big names have arrived as of yet, and although Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend were smart deals, they won’t win us bucketloads of points like Rodriguez could.
Time will tell, but anything could yet happen.
In other Everton news, Pundit View: Rafa Benitez can take one Toffees ace to next level after summer snub
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