It is not often one sees a talented player on the bench without game-time and still unable to find a new stomping ground.
That seems to be the case of James Rodriguez, who is unable to buy game time at Everton. The arrival of Rafa Benitez has not made things any better for the talented Colombian.
Out of favour and out of game time, still, Everton can’t find a way to take his massive salary off their wage bill.
Why Rodriguez is still at Everton
The transfer window shut on August 31, and Colombian international James Rodriguez remained an Everton player. It remains to be seen why the club has been unable to find a new club to take on his salary.
According to Football Insider, the main reason behind his failed move is his massive take home. The 30-year-old midfielder is on a weekly take-home of £250,000-per-week. Very few clubs are willing to spread such an outlay on a player who has consistently flattered to deceive.
With an annual salary of £13 million, Rodriguez would find it hard to find suitors. He is no Cristiano Ronaldo, neither is he Lionel Messi, and he hasn’t quite set Goodison Park alight. All these factors make it impossible to convince clubs that despite his talent that he would come good.
Rodriguez’ poor form
James Rodriguez had stints at Porto and Monaco, but he didn’t attract attention until his virtuoso performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
James scored six goals at the World Cup and was in the World Cup All-Star XI. His six goals were enough to win him the Golden Boot, and Diego Maradona insisted he should have been the Golden Ball winner instead of Lionel Messi.
All these culminated in Real Madrid arriving with their chequebook and prizing the Colombian star from Monaco. He came with fanfare but didn’t set the Santiago Bernabeu alight, and neither did a loan spell at Bayern Munich do much to convince that he was still going to take the world by storm.
James moved to Everton, where he was unable to reignite the spark, despite the efforts of former manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Any hope for Rodriguez?
James has not played a single minute since the arrival of Rafa Benitez, and that is due to injuries and a massive drop in form.
Many have argued that the Colombian can still deliver if fit.
Benitez sanctioned his sale, but the inability to move him means he is still available to him.
Benitez believes the attacking midfielder needs to focus and improve. He also wants commitment from the Colombian.
Be sure to stick around to get the latest updates on the transfer news.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
