2021/22 James Rodriguez

[Big Sams Undies]

Not sure why some are moaning. You don't play James against a team like Burnley.

You absolutely do because he has it in his locker to cut through the solid back 10 formation that Burnley play

 

[ashwuk76]

You absolutely do because he has it in his locker to cut through the solid back 10 formation that Burnley play

Burnley are a dirty team they would have kicked lumps out of him last night. They nearly injured Richie

 

[messymascot]

The only formation I wouldn't be able to find a place for him is a 4-4-2 no way could he play on the wing where you need to track back or as part of a 2 centrally and he's not a striker. Any other formation and he can pretty much be used. However you have to understand his limitations and either be content his positives out weigh his negatives or put a plan in place to compensate. He needs to be in the squad if fit. Otherwise Benitez is proving all his detractors and doubters right. This football clubs results come before either of these mens egos. So Benitez should give him a chance and James should give it his best effort. Him not tracking back is not him not trying it is a flaw of his game.

 

[heatmeiser]

Not really. Richarlison needs to sit behind an aerial striker like a Dom or Rondon. Do you take Gray or Townsend out? No. Doucoure needs to be all over the field and free.

Well it would be for one of the 3 CBs

 

[ashwuk76]

The only formation I wouldn't be able to find a place for him is a 4-4-2 no way could he play on the wing where you need to track back or as part of a 2 centrally and he's not a striker. Any other formation and he can pretty much be used. However you have to understand his limitations and either be content his positives out weigh his negatives or put a plan in place to compensate. He needs to be in the squad if fit. Otherwise Benitez is proving all his detractors and doubters right. This football clubs results come before either of these mens egos. So Benitez should give him a chance and James should give it his best effort. Him not tracking back is not him not trying it is a flaw of his game.

Honestly don't think that him not tracking back or defending is the reason he's not playing. We heard Townsend last night say that Benitez has told him not to defend only attack.. no reason he couldn't do the same with James.

 

[TacticallyEv]

Ah. Still think Townsend serves the system better. Yet if it’s a rest thing then yeah throw James behind the striker and go to work

Yeah he does. Townsend and Gray although have started well there not realistically going to play like this all season.

 

[messymascot]

Yeah he does. Townsend and Gray although have started well there not realistically going to play like this all season.

Teams will find a way of dealing with their pace at some point. That is why we need to keep teams guessing. The task of a LB is totally different if you are facing James instead of Townsend. This means if we rotate them our opponent has to work on 2 game plans.

 

[TacticallyEv]

Teams will find a way of dealing with their pace at some point. That is why we need to keep teams guessing. The task of a LB is totally different if you are facing James instead of Townsend. This means if we rotate them our opponent has to work on 2 game plans.

Exactly mate. It's all well and good saying we can't drop Gray and Townsend. They won't play 38 games this season out of fitness for one and like you said, you need to rotate.

 

[AmericasToffee]

Well it would be for one of the 3 CBs

Not really. Then Doucoure can’t roam free and Allan is left alone covering a huge space

 

[TacticallyEv]

Not really. Then Doucoure can’t roam free and Allan is left alone covering a huge space

Doucoure did do that to some extent in a 2 man midfield in previous games.

 

[messymascot]

Exactly mate. It's all well and good saying we can't drop Gray and Townsend. They won't play 38 games this season out of fitness for one and like you said, you need to rotate.

Fitness, form and tactics mean you need to have and utilise as many options available to you as possible. Our 2nd 11 is weak as a combo but as one or two rotating at a time not too bad.

 

[lungo]

You absolutely do because he has it in his locker to cut through the solid back 10 formation that Burnley play

One tackle and he would have cried for his mother!

 

[PITA]

Apparently, Brands has said it's 90k with bonuses - Euro/CL finish, cups, etc.

90K then.

 

[Nymzee]

One tackle and he would have cried for his mother!

It's not like he's never played against physical teams before? Portuguese league is rough as anything, South American qualifying is brutal, teams like Atletico, Getafe etc. in Spain are gross to play again.

 

[ashwuk76]

It's not like he's never played against physical teams before? Portuguese league is rough as anything, South American qualifying is brutal, teams like Atletico, Getafe etc. in Spain are gross to play again.

They are no Burnley though mate..rough as they come Burnley....