2020/21 James Rodriguez

[Sheedy's right knee.]

He is already a club legend in my mind. If we win the cup or make European football that will stamp his authority on this football club.

 

[arbok]

That role holds so much value man.

I was never the most talented player in soccer or basketball, but i always played hard, defended well, and was the enforcer for this kinda shenanigans. Even in basketball with dudes much bigger than me, I was the one to play that role. That's how I always some how made the teams.

We literally have no one to do that. Just look at Ramos here

where was this yesterday when James got mauled every time he got the ball? If Seamus or other leaders can’t do that then they need to sit on the bench and cheer from there.

 

[arbok]

It’s time to bring in Isco.

can’t be any worse than this lot.

James needs someone to pass to.

 

[Curtis]

I thought he had strong display early on, but the constant onslaught of goonery definitely impacted his game. Newcastle really tried to rough him up.Ref did an atrocious job of shielding him. Then he just disappeared in the game.

 

[everton1953]

There is a danger that Rodriguez might lose heart when he sees the crap he is playing with. Apart from being kicked by Newcastle I saw signs of frustration during the game at his underperforming colleagues.

 

[Daytripper]

There is a danger that Rodriguez might lose heart when he sees the crap he is playing with. Apart from being kicked by Newcastle I saw signs of frustration during the game at his underperforming colleagues.

They are not on his wave length so to speak. He becomes less effective if he has to go deep to get the ball which is happening too many times. If you watch our performance at Spurs opening day, it was different, passes were made quicker, the movement from everyone was better and there was a slickness there that I think caught Spurs by surprise a little.

 

[TheSecondComing]

He will have had enough come May.

 

[Terrarian]

Can't see him wanting to stick around if we keep playing like we have been. Imagine having one of the worlds best playmakers and not creating any chances. He already looks incredibly frustrated and he's not going to like it.

 

[Shibbywiggles]

James will have known the situation when he signed. We’re fighting out for Europe, not titles, and that’s expected.
I’m sure he and Carlo have been guaranteed we’ll be in the market in the summer and signing the same level of quality again. Another two or three Allan/James players and some more signings like our stronger squad players like Godfrey and Doucoure and we’re a real force next season.

 

[UptheTofees]

I seriously doubt James is upset or came here thinking they would achieve greatness in 1 season.

There are 2 possible scenarios

1. James is sold on the project and came here to succeed long term.

2. James saw us as a good way to regain his value and status and then go elsewhere. Meantime play football and help his favorite coach by coming here for free

Either scenario is a win win for us because he came for free. Even in #2, he helps us compete for Europe and then turn profit

But I really hope it's #1. Either way, I don't think he is frustrated and wants out because the team sucks or anything. He was just frustrated with the last match cuz honestly, it sucks to be kicked around on a cold night in Liverpool

 

[maccavennie]

Really need a big game from him tonight. Need the midfield to do their bloody job so he isn't having to come 30 yards from his own goal to start play.

Need him at the top end of the pitch lobbing balls in, taking shots, generally doing magical things.

 

[Ring master]

Ancelotti on Rodriguez​

Carlo Ancelotti has just spoken to BT Sport ahead of the game, including a reason for James Rodriguez being out of the side tonight.
He said: "We are talking about the spirit, the attitude on the pitch.
We did really well when we used the spirit and the concentration, we need to do this because it will be a difficult game.
The fact that the player, James, played three games in a row and we don't want to take a risk, he's really important for us."

 

[superkeeper]

Shame he’s not starting, as I think this is a game where he would have the space to unlock their defence with their gung-ho nature, but the last thing we want to do is over do him again

 

[thirdmantackle]

Doesn't help he was kicked around the pitch against the geordies

 

[james2805]

This is the one issue I have with James.

In games like this with high high intensity I think we stand a better chance without him.

You just can't afford to carry anyone when the opposition has legs for days.

He is a phenomenal footballer, but yeah.

My only worry is the Leeds high pressure high intensity style of football is rife in the Premier league at the moment.

We got played by Newcastle because they deployed it when they're usually slow crabs like us and it caught us off guard.