Everton players had reservations over James Rodriguez’s work-rate
James Rodriguez has left Everton a year after joining from Real Madrid, linking up with Qatari side Al Rayyan for an undisclosed fee.
The 30-year-old Colombian international was initially seen as a marquee addition capable of taking the Toffees to the next level, but some of his former teammates at Goodison Park had reservations over his work-rate in the long run.
Writing on The Athletic website, journalist Patrick Boyland said: “Some complained privately that playing with Rodriguez was, at times, akin to being a man down.”
While the Toffees players were wowed by his early displays, they eventually developed concerns over his work-rate, and Rafa Benitez seemingly had similar concerns following his arrival.
Good riddance
Carlo Ancelotti never hesitated to defend the Colombian’s lack of work-rate [Daily Mail], and it was clear that he gave him excess freedom.
Benitez was not going to allow that, and Rodriguez’s dip in form towards the end of last season did not help his cause.
The style of play of Everton under the Spaniard is completely different from the Italian’s, and it involves a lot of running, tracking back and defending when need be.
It was why the new manager brought in a player like Andros Townsend as he fits perfectly into his plans, and Rodriguez would have struggled with it.
He could afford to play like that at Madrid and Bayern Munich where they were often on the front foot, but that luxury is not available at Goodison Park.
The team works very hard and play as one unit, and while his creative impact would be missed, letting him go was pertinent for so many reasons, and Everton definitely regret signing him in the very first place.
In other Everton news, South American could join PSG after major Toffees development is confirmed.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.