Rafa Benitez keen to avoid James Rodriguez sulk amid Colombian’s influential Everton voice
Rafa Benitez will be keen to avoid any James Rodriguez Everton exit failure hangover as the Colombian is an influential member of the dressing room.
That’s according Greg O’Keeffe, writing for The Athletic after the 30-year-old failed to secure a move away from Merseyside in the summer transfer window.
“The signs that Benitez won’t punish James simply for not leaving and freeing up the space for a player he did want, Porto’s Luis Diaz, are clear,” O’Keeffe said.
“The Everton manager might have been frustrated but he is no fool.
“There is a feeling that Rodriguez is influential in the dressing room and Benitez will not want any prolonged sulk or sniping from the sidelines to undermine the team spirit he is trying to build at Finch Farm.”
On side
Rodriguez may well be a useful weapon for Benitez to use during the first half of the season.
He may be set to leave in the January transfer window if the Blues can find a buyer, but until that point someone of his abilities will also find a use in a team.
That’s particularly important in this Everton side that failed to strengthen in some key areas in the summer, and only spent a minor amount of money on Demarai Gray.
The failure to land Diaz might mean a reprieve at some point for Rodriguez, though that’s unlikely to be soon with Andros Towsend and Gray impressing in attack alongside Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
It could only take one or two injuries for events to change, however, while Rodriguez could be vital in keeping a harmonious dressing room.
In other Everton news, a world-famous international player has called this Blues star a ‘clown’ on Instagram.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.