Hopes are dashed for James Rodríguez. Excellent during the last Copa América with Colombia, the former Real Madrid player planned to make a triumphant return to Europe this season, but everything does not go as planned. Landed this summer at Rayo Vallecano, after terminating his contract with São Paulo, the 33-year-old attacking midfielder is struggling to convince in the Spanish capital and hardly plays with the Franjirrojos. Left on the bench during the last match against Alavès and with only five appearances (only one start) out of nine possible, for no goals and no assists in La Liga. The excitement surrounding James’ signing gave way to disappointment in the stands at Vallecas Stadium.
Faced with the difficulties getting his Colombian star started, Iñigo Pérez, the Rayo Vallecano coach, decided not to give him any preferential treatment. “James needed a period to adapt physically, like any other player in the team. Now it is obvious that he is adapted, he has completed the training weeks, and he is playing. Here he hasn’t played as much as everyone hopes, especially his fans, that’s because I choose certain players to win matches, the ones I believe are the best.said the Spanish technician, implying that the Colombian was not part of it. Because despite the absence of the number 10 debates, Rayo Vallecano is having a good start to the season and is currently 9th in the La Liga standings, just two points from the European places.
Imperial in selection, invisible in club
Does James Rodríguez suffer from “Azzedine Ounahi syndrome”? Like the Moroccan international, the former Monegasque is making numerous good appearances in the jersey of his national team – of which he is the captain – while he struggles to put one foot in front of the other at club. Little involved by his coach since the start of the season, the Colombian has never had the opportunity to play two games in a row in Rayo’s starting lineup. Meanwhile, he continues to shine by being absolutely essential at every gathering with the Tricolor. With 1 goal and 2 assists in Colombia’s last four games, James seems to be freed when he returns to play in South America. The top scorer of the 2014 World Cup makes no secret of the fact that his priority is Colombia. “Since my childhood, I have always dreamed of wearing this beautiful jersey. This is the most important for me. I think that every moment, every match (with his selection) is a dream.declared the man with 109 caps and 29 goals, at the microphone of the Colombian Football Federation.
In Spain, the situation is completely different. If his coach at Vallecas does not seem to trust him and does not help him find rhythm (127 minutes accumulated with Rayo this season), the Colombian’s performances and involvement leave something to be desired within the club. Some rumors even indicate the player’s desire to leave the club just a few months after his arrival. Tired of his situation, the latter would potentially like to relaunch in another European league from the next winter transfer window in January. But faced with his failure in a second-rate club in Spain, the former Bayern Munich midfielder who has an imposing salary could have difficulty getting back on his feet. While waiting for a possible departure, however, there are two months left for the former Monegasque to reverse the trend and rebuild his career. His way of the cross could begin this Tuesday, October 29, where Iñigo Perez risks rotating his squad for Rayo Vallecano’s entry into the Copa Del Rey against Villamuriel.
