Rafa Benitez will seek a swift resolution to James Rodriguez’s tricky situation to avoid the midfielder disrupting the positive early atmosphere at Everton, according to The Athletic.
Rodriguez has fallen out of favour at Goodison Park since Carlo Ancelotti elected to leave and re-join Real Madrid. The Italian tactician was instrumental to the Colombian leaving Los Blancos for Merseyside, and indulged the maestro’s shortcomings for his greater ability.
Benitez – who did not see eye-to-eye with Rodriguez at the Santiago Bernabeu – will not allow him to coast through games. But, after failing to offload the £200k-a-week playmaker, will look to reintroduce him to the fold over the coming weeks.
Benitez wants to see Rodriguez show fight in training to salvage whatever future he has at Everton. Only if the 30-year-old displays that determination, plus consistent output off the ball, will he regain a starting role.
The Spaniard values attitude over undoubted ability, so will not freeze Rodriguez out if he displays the right mentality. Nor will he punish the 80-cap international for blocking a move to AC Milan or Porto with his wage demands.
Instead, Benitez likely wants clear-the-air talks with Rodriguez, to avoid the Everton ace growing unsettled and disrupting the squad. He is a highly-influential figure in the Toffees dressing room, so Benitez does not want any sulking to derail their positive atmosphere.
Reinaldo Rueda snubbing Rodriguez from the Colombia squad for the Copa America this summer could help Benitez. He was not prepared to call up a player who was not 100% fit, despite his profile. And Rodriguez will want to show his worth before the 2022 World Cup.
Should Benitez recall Rodriguez to the Everton squad?
Only Dominic Calvert-Lewin (16) and Richarlison (7) scored more for Everton in the Premier League last season than Rodriguez (6). Only Lucas Digne (7) also offered more assists than the 30-year-old (5), but Benitez has coped without him this term.
Everton are unbeaten over three games under Benitez, and rank third for total goals. Only Manchester City and West Ham have scored more than the Toffees (7) with 10. Five players have also registered assists, so Rodriguez will have to show what he can offer off the ball.
Benitez will not rush to retract his ethos if Everton are performing, so Rodriguez will have to earn his shot. If not, the Spaniard will have to hope the Colombian does not act up.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
