The Real Madrid squad are badly pining for the real James Rodríguez to stand up and be counted. “He’s a player that brings a lot to the team,” one of his teammates told MARCA. But for some reason or another the Colombian forward has been missing in action for much of the season.
You only need one hand to count the flashes of brilliance he has shown recently. This falls way short of the stunning numbers that James achieved in his first year at the club: 17 goals and 18 assists in his debut season.
Real Madrid were rubbing their hands together with satisfaction when James first joined the club and now they are rubbing their eyes because he seems a shadow of his former self: six goals, eight assists and an overall level of performance that leaves a lot to be desired. James has got himself into a rut and he’s finding it very hard to get out.
The Colombian hasn’t been able to pull himself together following a tumultuous start to the season. His falling-out with Rafa Benítez and an injury that kept him out of action for almost two months have weighed heavily on his shoulders.
With the arrival of Zinedine Zidane a door opened up to James, a chance for the player to start over. Having hit rock bottom during the derby loss to Atlético Madrid, in which the attacking midfielder was hauled off before the hour mark, Zidane is now happy with how Rodríguez is playing in the last few games.
Bron: Marca
