Once Colombia’s star boy in Brazil, scoring wonder goals even veterans would dream of, James Rodriguez should have gone onto be a Real Madrid star. Yet, six years on from that famous World Cup volley and he finds himself on the verge of a move to Everton, according to reports.
No disrespect to Everton, but, considering what was expected of Rodriguez upon his arrival to the Santiago Bernabeu, if you told someone he’d be at Goodison Park just years later, they’d have probably fainted with horror.
James Rodriguez Must Take Everton Lifeline
A Spectacular Debut Season
One of the many reasons why the Colombian’s failure seems such a shock is the way the first season went. He took to Spain like a 23-year-old who had just won the World Cup Golden Boot; like a player who had just chested a ball down before swivelling to strike a goal for the ages on the biggest stage football has to offer.
By the end of his debut campaign, Rodriguez had netted 17 goals alongside 18 assists to confirm his place amongst the best. Yet, as Rodriguez flourished, Real Madrid failed to win both the Champions League and La Liga title as Barcelona rose to claim both. And as the trophies didn’t arrive, Carlo Ancelotti’s invitation to take charge the next season suffered the same fate.
The Italian said goodbye to Rodriguez in what was, at the time, considered an insignificant moment. As we look back, however, Ancelotti’s goodbye signalled the beginning of the Colombian’s downfall.
A Season of Injury Woes
Injury, at any time, can prove to be a footballer’s kryptonite; it can kill their career on the spot, and put a halt to any long term plans. For James Rodriguez in the 2015/16 season, it was the beginning of injury woes which put an end to his previously stunning form.
He went onto miss 11 games in total throughout his second season in Madrid, scoring eight goals alongside a further 10 assists. The Colombian’s ability was still very much apparent. Yet, as each injury struck, his pace and aforementioned ability would have suffered significantly.
By the time the 2017/18 season came around, Rodriguez was leaving Madrid in favour of reuniting with Ancelotti at Bayern Munich. So off he went, Champions League medals and plenty more in hand as memorable souvenirs, to attempt a two-year career revival in Germany.
Rodriguez arrived no longer the World Cup hero, no longer the scorer of the volley of all volley’s, and, instead, a man on a mission.
In fairness to the Colombian, just like in Madrid, he endured a fruitful first season in Munich, recording 22 goal involvements- again picking up silverware along the way.
Yet, as the next season came, so did the all too familiar story of injury woes. The Bayern loanee missed a total of 12 games this time around, recording just 13 goal involvements in the 28 appearances that he did make.
Now, after a season of just 14 appearances back at Madrid, the Colombian must take the Everton and Carlo Ancelotti lifeline thrown towards his sinking career.
The Chance to Become a Star Once Again for Rodriguez
Following the 2014 World Cup, Rodriguez was the name mentioned in every possible language by every country who had paid witness to the competition.
He had volleyed his way to stardom, and into the hearts of fans across the world. Since then, however, he has failed to find the same love and admiration. And that’s where Everton could come in.
The Toffees are known for being a family club with a strong community behind them. Carlo Ancelotti has so far received a fitting welcome with his European pedigree behind him.
Now, Rodriguez could endure the same fate. A Real Madrid star entering the gates of Goodison would only receive an outburst of positivity; a reaction the midfielder may need right now. By getting that love and fight to play for the fans back again, Rodriguez could once again reach the summit of football.
Under Ancelotti, too, the man who first welcomed the midfielder to Madrid, Rodriguez’s boots could once again reflect the tint of gold come the end of this season.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
