Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti spoke to La Gazzetta Dello Sport ahead of his side’s big game against Liverpool on Saturday.
The Toffees could not have asked for a better start to the season. Everton have won their first seven games in all competitions, and are on top of the Premier League table.
Ancelotti’s summer signings have played a big part in their success so far, but James Rodriguez has been the pick of the bunch. The Colombian has arguably been Everton’s best player in every game he has played so far; something that surprised many people.
Fans and pundits worried about Rodriguez’s physicality and questioned if he could adapt to the Premier League. The former Real Madrid man has silenced all his doubters, but Ancelotti has admitted that he was also surprised by the play-maker’s quick adaptation.
Ancelotti surprised by Rodriguez’s form
He said: “Even I’m surprised. He hasn’t played since February and it was only fair to expect a few difficulties in a switch to a different type of football, but the enthusiasm and his talent have been a formidable boost.”
Rodriguez’s quality on the football pitch has never been in doubt. He is one of the most elegant footballers in the world, but he has struggled in the past when teams try to rough him up.
However, there have been no signs of that so far this season. Rodriguez has been outstanding for the Toffees, and Everton fans will be hoping that he continues the same this weekend when they host Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.
Everton don’t have a great record in the derby, but they have never been in a better position than now. If Rodriguez can produce some magic on Saturday, they can beat Liverpool, and the Colombian will become an even bigger hero to Toffees supporters.
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