The World Cup in Brazil was perhaps one of the best in recent times. Whether it was stunning goals, some breathtaking football, unpredictable games, resounding victories, shootout heartbreaks, it had it all. The World Cup also saw the emergence of one superstar who took the world by storm. Although it was Messi who won the Golden Ball, a decision that is still being debated, there was one player who made a name for himself in Brazil.
In just two years, James Rodriguez had gone from making his debut for Colombia, to winning the Golden Boot in his first World Cup. The 23-year-old playmaker had gone from being a relative unknown to a household name in a matter of couple of weeks. Although he only made a big-money move to French club Monaco last season, his performances meant that he was already starting to catch the attention of several big clubs.
He was so good that Real Madrid have made him their prime target for this summer. Although they have already bagged a World Cup star in Toni Kroos, it looks as though they want another one. Not just anyone, but someone who was the youngest player to win the Golden Ball in the Portuguese League when he managed it in 2012. A player, who only moved to Monaco in 2013 for €45 million, but was still voted the club’s best player and led the League in assists in his debut season.
James Rodriguez was so good that even former Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham was impressed by his performance in the World Cup. The former England captain said:
“I think he’s got a great future. He’s such a talented player and he’s a good-looking kid as well, he’s got the whole package. I’ve heard about him quite a few times and people told me he was a great talent, but to come on to the world stage at his age and play the way he’s played, shows how talented he is.”
According to Marca, even the player wants the move to go through as the Colombian playmaker was quoted as saying: “Playing for Real Madrid is my life’s dream: it’d be a privilege to play alongside so many stars. If it happened, I’d enjoy it to the max. It’s really flattering to know that a club of Real Madrid’s stature is interested in me. It’d be a dream to join the club of my dreams.”
Some reports have even suggested that Rodriguez has already agreed personal terms with Real Madrid, with the player set to earn €7.5 million per season at the Bernabeu. After a long struggle it seems as though both teams have also settled on the price as the Colombian is set to make his way to Madrid for £63.6 million.
While few would begrudge him a move to Real Madrid, a club which he has professed his love for, what many are balking at is not only price being quoted but also whether he is necessary at the club. While the former is perhaps understandable, it is the latter that might worry Los Blancos.
Given the fee involved, James Rodriguez would’ve want to jump straight into the first-team. But the problem is that the two positions he’d want to occupy is already taken. With Angel Di Maria set to leave, the attacking midfielder in a three-man midfield seemed to be open, but the signing of Kroos means that, that avenue is closed. The only other position he could slot into in the 4-3-3 is as the left winger, a position which is currently occupied by Cristiano Ronaldo, which means that even that is unlikely.
The only way Rodriguez would get playing time is if Carlo Ancelotti decides to move from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1. Thereby James Rodriguez could play as the No.10, a position he excels at and what some are calling his best position. But even then he’d have competition from Isco and it seems highly unlikely that Ancelotti would want to switch formations to accommodate just one player when he already has so much quality in the centre of the park.
If he is seen as a long-time replacement for Ronaldo, then this looks like a good move. However, it is highly unlikely that Rodriguez would want to warm the bench at Real for the next couple of seasons or until whenever Ronaldo finally leaves his role on the left flank. So it seems slightly bizarre that Real Madrid would want to go for him, when he is nothing more than a luxury. But then again, this is Real we are talking about, a club that is renowned for their “Galacticos”. So, I guess this is another one of those Real Madrid signings in which they prove to everyone that they can buy the best and think about the rest later.