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2021/22 James Rodriguez

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roydo said:
Its beyond doubt that having James on our playing staff raises the profile of the club, by association. @Sassy Colombian became a fan, bought a James shirt, (officially) and dragged her husband to the Florida cup games. Actual evidence. The traffic on here from Columbia rose significantly. Actual evidence.

Now, how/if the club actually cash in on that is a moot point, but the association is there.
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Anyone who thinks that having James here hasn’t given new exposure to the Club must be blind.

BTW, while I did buy an official shirt I didn’t buy a James shirt but spent even more money to personalize it because regardless of James I’m now a Blue :)

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ToffeeM4n said:
I mean, why wouldn't Benitez want James to be a crucial player? He's obviously better than Townsend and Iwobi. Has he said something like that or just our guesses? I don't see any reason why he shouldn't be a starter.
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I think it's just fit mate.

James has more quality in his little toe than those two players, but those two players can bring a bit of speed and energy that he can't and in this system it's clear Benitez wants wide players who track back and can carry the ball forward over long distances.

James can carry the ball 10 yards or so but then it's about his passing, which is exceptional but relies on movement ahead of him and for him not to be bogged down too much.

But, you can't play the same way in every game and if he does stay then he simply has to be used in some capacity, even if that's just to help us break down teams.

For years, and years and years under Moyes and even Martinez, we cried out for a player who could 'pick the lock'.

We have one of the best there is at that on our books. So if he stays, we have to have him used. That's my take on it. But we'll see what happens.
 
Drico said:
I have no issue with whatever James gets up to of a weekend - that's his own business. Thing is, he's making it everyone else's by posting this kind of stuff on social media. One of the big issues some people now have with the game is how divorced the players are from the fans. That's inevitable given the money in the game today, but posting mysterious "look at me" photos from a private jet on social media simply reinforces that divide and shows us all what a circus top level football now is. Essentially, this is Brand James promoting Brand James. That's fine, it is what it is, but football is based on at least the illusion of tribalism, of identifying with your players, and on the pretence that they have at least the shirt in common with the fans. Here we have a hired gun jetting off to his next big top. Or something.

I think James is a beautiful footballer - and he's got lovely legs - but this is just exhibitionism and voyeurism at this stage. He's probably just taking the jet to Tesco.
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This 100% ??????????
 
I think James would be fantastic off the right coming off the flank, Gray on the left, whipping balls out from right to left like he did last season. Gray has so much pace, it could really do some damage to teams but I get James on the right leaves Coleman massively exposed defensively. We have already seen how well Townsend can cover ground a contribute defensively. It's a balance but we have some good options in the squad and I hope we see James back in the side soon as he is a wonderful toggerball player.
 


davek said:
No one denies he has the ability; the doubt is over his commitment. he is a mercenary and will want to move on even sooner than we want him out.
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What commitment has Everton shown James? They used him during the Florida Cup and then once it was done then they start leaking stories about his salary and about selling him. Now they are trying to sell him to Turkey or Russian teams? Lol In a relationship commitment has to be mutual, Dave.
 
I think the home fans will go crazy when he plays in front of a crowd. He isn't a complete premiership athlete but he is an incredible footballing talent who given the right system can control football matches. Given our low possession statistics though I'm concerned he is antithetical to Benitez philosophy which would be a real shame as the man can play football at a world class level.
 

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