2021/22 James Rodriguez

[BigDuncTributeBand]

Benitez just doesn’t rate the guy and never will - fine, his prerogative. Would have lot more respect for him if he’d just say he’s not getting in my team, good player but not for me. All this rubbish about isolating from COVID and not as fit as the rest is embarrassing. Who does he think he’s kidding. Find it hard to trust someone who will tell a bare faced lie to your face and smile while doing it.

He’s got DCL playing with a broken toe and taking injections after minimal training and Rondon straight on the bench with no training and clearly not fit.

 

[stretford blue]

Haha

We couldn't make this up, season has been great so far and the hot topic is someone who dosent even get on the bench and hasnt been missed

When the squad is pretty light why limit ourselves surely if last night we were behind with 10/15 minutes left not having the option to bring James on even the people who don't rate him cannot deny he could change a game in an instant.
The fitness excuse is totally ridiculous rondon came on last night and understandably couldn't even muster a jog

 

[Spadge Vernacular]

I don't think hate is the right word. Doesn't like his effort in defense and you have to defend for the team system to work.

Benitez is a control freak and would not let it go when James refused to cut short his holiday after the Copa America. That was the problem and it escalated from there.

 

[messymascot]

I would prefer we didn't play a back 3 against anyone. We have the odd decent result playing it, but have never performed consistently using that system. I don't think I've ever thought we've looked comfortable playing it.

To play 3 at the back we need another CB in the squad who is left footed and more in the style of Godfrey/Holgate than Mina/Keane. I think Godfrey first choice RCB then Holgate back up. Mina first choice CB with Keane back up. Then our new CB at LCB. We would also need a RWB of similar quality to Digne on the left. Until we get them 2 players 3 at the back should be left well alone.

 

[4737carlin]

When the squad is pretty light why limit ourselves surely if last night we were behind with 10/15 minutes left not having the option to bring James on even the people who don't rate him cannot deny he could change a game in an instant.
The fitness excuse is totally ridiculous rondon came on last night and understandably couldn't even muster a jog

I agree the option from the bench of ames could be good but has he got the professionalism to do that? Rondon wanted to, James dosent seen up for it and Rafael can see right through him. Lets be honest at the club there seems to only be one player at the moment with an issue, that alone shows its not the manager, everyone else loves him.

 

[Thomasc]

god, this is wild. is that your take from last night? we were very poor and dominated for much of the game?

Did you watch the first half? We were dreadful until after they scored. You not agree? Burnley were the better side in the first half, that’s undeniable.

 

[Barnfred 55]

In your 2 3 and 1 who are they?
DCL, Rich, Gray, Townsend, Doc are automatic, that leaves Allan as your only option.

We have a squad for a reason. Players get injured. They also get rested. They also get substituted if they aren't playing well.

He doesn't get in the first choice starting line up under Benitez. The world and his wife now that. But that doesn't mean he can't play a big part in Everton's season if Benitez allows him to.

 

[jazzy]

so do you think that he should have been on the bench yesterday, and been brought on when we were chasing the game?

It would gave been good to have that option.
Of course I was pleased with the result but against teams with packed defences you undoubtedly need creative options both in the starting XI and off the bench.
Don't you agree?

 

[Kev50]

Did you watch the first half? We were dreadful until after they scored. You not agree? Burnley were the better side in the first half, that’s undeniable.

that's your take from last night? Burnley were the better side in the first half? who cares.
I wonder if there are reds out there still talking about the 1986 cup final, complaining that 'Everton were the better side in the first half'.

 

[stretford blue]

I agree the option from the bench of ames could be good but has he got the professionalism to do that? Rondon wanted to, James dosent seen up for it and Rafael can see right through him. Lets be honest at the club there seems to only be one player at the moment with an issue, that alone shows its not the manager, everyone else loves him.

What evidence is there that James has an issue seen him on the training videos and don't think he has come out In saying he won't play.

 

[Kev50]

It would gave been good to have that option.
Of course I was pleased with the result but against teams with packed defences you undoubtedly need creative options both in the starting XI and off the bench.
Don't you agree?

in theory yes of course. in this instance, having James front and centre may bring all sorts of issues. Even if he's superfit and raring to go (which is a gigantic if) they don't like each other. as SAF says, the manager is the most inportant person at a club, you can't have anyohe undermining that.

 

[jazzy]

god, this is wild. is that your take from last night? we were very poor and dominated for much of the game?

That would be an accurate summation of the first hour of the game. For 15 minutes we were superb. In the last 15 we controlled the game efficiently.

 

[jazzy]

in theory yes of course. in this instance, having James front and centre may bring all sorts of issues. Even if he's superfit and raring to go (which is a gigantic if) they don't like each other. as SAF says, the manager is the most inportant person at a club, you can't have anyohe undermining that.

Did you think Rondon was superfit?

 

[4737carlin]

What evidence is there that James has an issue seen him on the training videos and don't think he has come out In saying he won't play.

What evidence is there Rafael has an issue though? People are drawing conclusions you are right, but if he is fit enough to train why cant he at least sit on the bench? does he think he is too good for it?

 

[Thomasc]

that's your take from last night? Burnley were the better side in the first half? who cares.
I wonder if there are reds out there still talking about the 1986 cup final, complaining that 'Everton were the better side in the first half'.

I’m not complaining, just pointing out the obvious.
I thought this was a forum to discuss performance as well.
I’m obviously very pleased they dug a result out, which for a long period of the game didn’t look very likely.