Everton outcast James Rodriguez offered a lifeline by Benitez
Everton outcast James Rodriguez has been offered a lifeline by Rafa Benitez and could be used in future games.
The Spaniard speaking at his pre-match press conference revealed that the Colombian could play some games in the future, and he also confirmed that the club did try to offload him.
However, it appears as if the 30-year-old has been handed an unexpected olive branch, and it will be intriguing to see if he takes it [Liverpool Echo].
Benitez said: “I was not in the conversations.
“I know there were some clubs who had interests. You know the problems with FFP, so it was important to make space for some other players. We couldn’t do that. We have to manage that.
“If James stays with us, we have to find the right games for him. He can make a contribution for the team.”
Rodriguez handed chance by Benitez.
Benitez had initially told the Colombian that he didn’t feature in his plans for the Toffees, and it was best if he moved on [Liverpool Echo].
However, after turning down a move to Turkey, it appears as if the Colombian will be given a second chance to impress the Spaniard.
Rodriguez had a decent first season with Everton and does possess star quality, so it will be interesting to see if he is prepared to work hard and earn a spot in Benitez’s side.
We hope he is but after his comments earlier in the summer, we aren’t convinced that he will be committed, and we still wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t feature.
However, Benitez has handed him a lifeline, and we didn’t expect that to happen.
Could it come in the upcoming Carabao Cup clash against Queens Park Rangers? It is time that the playmaker proves himself in this new system as soon as possible.
In other Everton news, Mark Lawrenson has made his Burnley prediction.
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