Everton

Everton: Chris Beesley discusses James Rodriguez and his impact on the team

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Image for Everton: Chris Beesley discusses James Rodriguez and his impact on the team

Chris Beesley, a reporter for the Liverpool Echo, has been speaking on the latest edition of the Royal Blue podcast about all things relating to Everton.

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To kick off this quiz on Seamus Coleman, what squad number does the right-back currently wear for the Toffees?

One of the topics that he spent some time on was James Rodriguez and his influence on the Toffees.

The Colombian was signed on a free in the last summer transfer window, and he has made 22 league appearances in which he has scored six goals and provided five assists.

However, he has struggled with fitness and has missed 11 league games overall, including Saturday night against Aston Villa, and Beesley thinks that the Toffees missed the former Real Madrid man.

He said: (8:27) “James had been showing plenty of flashes of brilliance in recent weeks and had been pulling the strings, so it was a big blow.

(8:50) “I said myself the other week, maybe he’s not in peak condition right now in his career, but there’s a strong argument to say he’s possibly the most talented outfield player Everton have ever had. Certainly given his pedigree in the past, you could put a strong case [for] that.”

Do you think Rodriguez is one of Everton's most talented players ever?

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TIF Thoughts on Rodriguez…

This is a huge claim from Beesley, but when you consider the clubs Rodriguez has played for and the titles he has won, there is probably a strong case in terms of pure talent.

However, you would think that the 29-year-old, who is valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, would have to be at Goodison Park for a while longer before some fans consider him to be one of the best players in their history.

The Toffees, though, haven’t struggled without Rodriguez as they have won seven league games he has missed, but hopefully, he is back for the remaining five matches in the season as Everton look to finish as high up the table as possible.

In other news: ‘If this were Jose’ – Journalist drops damning Carlo Ancelotti claim at Everton

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