The Athletic’s Greg O’Keeffe has been speaking on the latest episode of the All Together Now podcast to discuss all things Everton.
One of the biggest stories surrounding the Toffees this summer was the future of their 30-year-old midfielder, James Rodriguez.
Was James Rodriguez a bad signing?
Yes
No
It was been reported over the course of the transfer window that the Colombian was a player who had the possibility of departing the Merseyside club despite signing just last summer.
The midfielder made a bright start to life in the Premier League but injuries saw his game time take a setback and he only featured in just five of the final 14 league games (via Transfermarkt).
Discussing how Rafael Benitez may approach the Colombian’s game time this season, O’Keeffe had the following to say on the saga which is continuing to draw on.
“I think the view from Benitez’s side was that playing with James is like playing with 10 men defensively when you haven’t got the ball.
“I’m not sure he’s going to risk that so I think it’s ridiculous, it’s a bad situation. And I do think some of the blame for not finding a solution to it lies with Jorge Mendes and James, really.
“They knew that they’re not wanted, he knows he’s not wanted. And yet, declined to take one penny less to move on and play. But let’s hope in the back of his mind he knows he needs to play, because he seems to care about playing for Colombia.”
TIF Thoughts on Rodriguez’s situation…
As aforementioned, the Colombian had a promising start to life in the Premier League with three goals and three assists in his opening five games (via Transfermarkt).
Rodriguez is now playing into the final year of his contract, and given Everton did not make any major moves in the summer market, we think his return to the starting XI could be crucial to the Toffees’ success this season.
Benitez’s men have made a promising start with seven points on the board but if they can get the Colombian back on song then we feel it would certainly be a huge boost for Everton.
In other news: ‘Another hammer blow’ – Journalist slams ‘unthinkable’ Everton decision