The Stamford Bridge outfit launched a last-minute bid for Colombia national team captain and Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez, on transfer deadline day this summer.
A lack of regular playing time threatened his future at the Santiago Bernabeu, and while the player was more than willing to stay to prove his worth, Florentino Perez was willing to sanction his sales. The club went with the former, and from the look of things thus far, the 25-year-old has started well this term.
However, his future is still far from guaranteed as the only reason he has featured a lot this season is due to the absences of Modric and Casemiro. Chelsea could still re-launch another bid in the next transfer window(s), and here are 3 reasons why this move sounds right for the club.
He can add more creative spark to the attack
Taking a closer look at the Chelsea setup, the club can sure do with more creativity in the attacking midfield position, and James brings a lot of that to the table. It was why Madrid paid €80million without hesitation to land him back in 2014.
Chelsea’s midfield currently boasts of Kante, Matic, Oscar, Fabregas and Chalobah as far as starting berths go, and while each of these players stand out with their different qualities, none exudes the type of creative spark James is made of. His technique, vision and playmaking skill sets combine to make him a figure to reckon with when midfield greats are mentioned. And he’s only 25.
James, who is rated at €64.9 Million by the CIES Football Observatory, hasn’t peaked yet, and despite the last 2 seasons being trying times in his career, he has managed to shake it off, and how much more improved quality services he would be able to render when he does hit the zenith is only anybody’s guess.
Rodriguez presents Conte with many quality options
Nothing beats a versatile player capable of putting in spectacular performances in any role he is deployed in. And it’s a quality James offers without stress.
Despite being an attacking midfielder and a natural number 10, the Colombian plays excellently well across several midfield and forward positions. He can be deployed as a playmaker, a winger, or as a central midfielder. His versatility means Conte can be spoilt for quality attacking options with just a single player. James isn’t a makeshift in those roles, he is a specialist as they come.
He brings stiff competition
Despite the depth in ranks at Chelsea, not many members of the starting XI have got fierce competition to keep them on their toes. James Rodriguez’s arrival is capable of changing all that.
For Matic in either a deep midfield setup of 2 or central midfield setup of 4, James is able to challenge him for the permanent starting berth. In an attacking midfield setup of 3, the Real Madrid star can give Hazard, Oscar/Fabregas and Willian a run for the money, and so is the case with a 3-man forward setup where he can land a spot for himself on either position in between the centre forward.
Such signing gets everybody giving their best as any mediocre performance can get anyone condemned to the bench for a long while. Conte can definitely do with a James Rodriguez anytime soon.