2020/21 James Rodriguez

[LouReedwalkonthewildside]

Yup

Even when they give him a compliment, it's backhanded

Click like if you've heard any of the following

He may not track much, but he definitely has technique

Nice ball from James after an otherwise quiet game from James

Good finish for James, you can question his effort, but not his talent

What a ball from James, but he needs to get more involved

Great pass from James, a luxury player, but key to his team's success

The only time I've heard genuine praise for him was last night from Steve McManaman, he even used the phrase "world class"

Could you imagine what the pundits and media would be like if James played for the RS!

 

[Deco]

I know we're biased but James is genuinely one of the best chance creators I can remember.

EVERY time he got the ball last night he created something.

Amazing.

 

[Vaughan]

It’s an absolute crime when Sigurdsson takes a dead ball ahead of him. Even his outswingers are more lethal than Gylfi’s in swingers

 

[Daveysgingerlovechild]

He was sex last night with some of his passing. Some might say "but it is only Sheffield Weds". True on one level, but that's patronising to them. Plus, you have to turn up and turn it on. How many players have we had who offer squat in such games? He's done it in the Prem for us too, so I'm just going to enjoy him.

 

[roydo]

He was sex last night with some of his passing. Some might say "but it is only Sheffield Weds". True on one level, but that's patronising to them. Plus, you have to turn up and turn it on. How many players have we had who offer squat in such games? He's done it in the Prem for us too, so I'm just going to enjoy him.

Same.

Passing is one of the football skills that is transferable no matter who the oppo is. Sheffield are no more "easy" to make ace passes against than City are.

edit. In other words, you can either do them, or you cannot.

 

[Jim Hopper]

In terms of pure class talent he’s the next best player I’ve seen at the club since Kanchelskis for what he does and what his job role is. He’s surpassed Arteta even in a short amount of time. One the younger lads will say they had the pleasure of watching like we did for the other players.

 

[Toffeelover]

In terms of pure class talent he’s the next best player I’ve seen at the club since Kanchelskis for what he does and what his job role is. He’s surpassed Arteta even in a short amount of time. One the younger lads will say they had the pleasure of watching like we did for the other players.

Playing with him.

 

[UptheTofees]

James had 8 key passes on that match lol

 

[LEONARD]

He's not a patch on Tom Davies.

 

[blueblueskies]

Been a blue for a long time, went to my first game 45 years ago and have been lucky enough to see a good few top class players in that time. Having said that this guy is probably the most naturally talented player I have seen put on a blue shirt.

 

[roydo]

Been a blue for a long time, went to my first game 45 years ago and have been lucky enough to see a good few top class players in that time. Having said that this guy is probably the most naturally talented player I have seen put on a blue shirt.

Its difficult thinking of another thats better.

 

[KaiserEFC]

I watched James Rodriguez knowing that Gomes was 10 ft behind and to his left boot the ball at the player in front of him so it lands straight at Gomes, who is behind hims feet.

Blokes on another planet to anything I’ve ever seen at the club. *awaits the usual Alan Ball shouts*

 

[blueblueskies]

Its difficult thinking of another thats better.

It is. He just seems to see and play the game on another level. Not looked forward to matches as much as I do nowadays for a very long time

 

[Guru888]

One of the best players in the league, he’s just brilliant

 

[Drico]

I watched James Rodriguez knowing that Gomes was 10 ft behind and to his left boot the ball at the player in front of him so it lands straight at Gomes, who is behind hims feet.

Blokes on another planet to anything I’ve ever seen at the club. *awaits the usual Alan Ball shouts*

Ball was a brilliant player, a force of nature, a fantastic combination of technique, aggression, and intelligence. He was not as naturally gifted as James, who, in turn, has nothing of Ball's perpetual motion. They are very different players.

If James is half as effective as Ball was in an Everton shirt, he'll be a roaring success. But it's not hyperbole to say that Rodriguez is a more talented technical player. There is a difference between talent and effectiveness. Ball had loads of talent, but his other qualities made him wonderfully effective. James is even more technical, but will need to go some way to be as effective. But he's a magnificent footballer, capable of brilliance that others might see but fail to execute.