It was abundantly clear that some desirable team would wave a wad of cash in the direction of Colombia’s young James Rodriguez, and La Liga leviathans, Real Madrid, have done just so. The Golden Boot winner has since been associated with the transfer hysteria of late; his penchant for netting some sensational goals for his country during the ever satisfying World Cup has been the talk of many a town, and now his pathway to Spanish sovereignty will be also.
23-year-old James Rodriguez is the most recent signing for Real Madrid, and one that fans will be gasping to gaze upon in action. He has charged glasses with Real management, agreeing an alleged fee of £63 million, which is a distant cry from the excessive lump sum that was once shaken on for Southampton FC’s (and I just must tuck that fact in there) old Welsh protégé, Gareth Bale. Rodríguez, the striking wizard bequeathed his former side, Monaco, a sizzling 9 goals and 12 further assists in the previous season in Ligue 1 (Sky Sports, July 2014).
His World Cup campaign was laden with fierce goals, and we even witnessed a brief and unlikely meeting between celebrating player and uninvited insect; furthermore, if he plays in the same fashion, which he inevitably will, opposing teams will be left in a wake of devastation, and the Champions League will be something of a blood-thirsty crusade to the final for Real Madrid. His initial 3 goals were terrific; Ivory Coast, Greece and Japan all suffered a blow when against Rodríguez, whilst it was that second devilish volley into the Uruguayan net that really brought the glory home for Colombia. Of course, his first goal against the side who are now mithered with jokes about bites and/or general dentistry, was excellent, as was his impressive penalty against weary ex-host nation, Brazil.
James Rodriguez has an alarmingly great streak of success behind him, and at such a tender age in the scheme of football; his prowess and ball skills will plainly grant Real Madrid yet more eventual access to the accolades and rewards they deserve. Rodríguez will join an ebullient bunch of footballing heavies from all across Europe and South America, including fresh signing Toni Kroos, the mighty Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, Ángel di María (though could be seeking a switch to the Premier League), and so forth. This clearly will be an unstoppable force.
Real Madrid faced familiar team, Atlético Madrid, in the Champions League final some months ago; the match was claimed by Rodríguez’s new teammates (4-1 was the score following a bout of extra time). Carlo Ancelotti’s men currently look even more poised and even hungrier for the title now that they have such menacing recent signings. With the Sami Khedira toils and troubles still occurring, Real Madrid look eager from the attacking point of view, but would be severely hindered if the German was to head elsewhere, as his midfield capabilities are unquestionably paramount. After such diabolical efforts for his home country, Marcelo could also make the defensive line look shaky.
We shall see what becomes of Real Madrid and James Rodriguez himself soon enough. Will the back line remain tight, or will it just be strike, strike, strike upfront?
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Main Photo Credit: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP PHOTO / Getty Images
