Tom Hopkinson has been on a recent edition of The Rumour Review on YouTube to look at many Premier League clubs’ transfer business.
One of the teams that Hopkinson talked about was Everton, and although he praised their transfer window, he remains unconvinced that James Rodriguez can keep up his sublime start to the season.
Hopkinson is sceptical as to whether the Colombian will maintain his current level, claiming the midfielder is yet to prove he can sustain a prolonged period of impressive form over an entire campaign and feels his performances at present may simply be a flash in the pan.
He said: “James Rodriguez, my jury is a little bit out, even though he looks very good at the start.
“I want to assess what his contribution has been to Everton’s season next May and see whether he’s managed to maintain this initial impact.
“There’s not really been anything to suggest in the previous years that he can maintain it over the course of the season, so that will be one to watch.”
Do you think Rodriguez will keep up his form?
Yes, he is a class act
No, there will be some drop off
TIF Thoughts…
Rodriguez has had a great start to life in the Premier League as he has scored three goals and provided two assists in his first four league games, earning a stunning average rating of 8.41/10.
The Colombian international was signed on a free transfer by the Toffees, and it is clear that he has had a good impact on this Everton side.
It is interesting that Hopkinson claims that Rodriguez has not maintained his form over the course of a season in recent years, as his record from the 2017/18 season was eight goals and 14 assists, with his goal contributions spread out throughout that particular season despite being disrupted by injury.
His record in the 2018/19 season was seven goals and six assists, where the contributions were also spread out, despite the lesser output in front of goal.
Yes, he struggled last season by only making 14 appearances, scoring one goal and providing two assists, but it seems harsh to suggest he hasn’t performed for a whole season in recent years when he clearly has.
The only real concern looking at Rodriguez’s performances in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons is that he did miss quite a few games through injury.
However, it will be interesting to see if Rodriguez can keep up this stunning form or if he will fade as the campaign draws on.