Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports PL (25/10/20 at 1:10 pm) that a ‘lack of pace’ is preventing Everton playmaker, James Rodriguez from being ‘one of the best players in the world’.
Everton’s unbeaten start to the new Premier League season came to an abrupt end on Sunday when they were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Southampton.
Despite an injury scare leading up to yesterday’s match, Rodriguez started the game, but he was pretty quiet throughout as Carlo Ancelotti’s men produced their tamest performance so far this season.
But before the game, Redknapp was waxing-lyrical about the talents Rodriguez has at his feet and what’s stopping him from reaching the top.
On whether he’s been a game-changer: “Yes, absolutely,” Redknapp told Sky Sports. “I think if he had perhaps a touch more pace, we would be talking about one of the best players in the world.
“I think it’s maybe that little lack of pace that maybe stops him from getting to that level. But in terms of what he can do, how he can see the pass and the beautiful things he can produce for other players, it’s sensational.
“He offers you something from set-pieces. I think what he [Ancelotti] has done with him by playing him on that right-hand side, so he can come in on his left side. I think when you say to a left-sider ‘go and play on the left-side’. It’s more difficult – he can come inside [from the right] and produce special things.”
There’s no doubt that Carlo Ancelotti played a huge part in Rodriguez swapping Real Madrid for Everton, and it seems their previous relationship has helped him settle in with more ease.
Ancelotti worked with Rodriguez both at Real and Bayern, but without the Italian behind him, he hasn’t been able to produce those top-quality performances everyone knows he is capable.
And whilst yesterday was a minor blip, it has been some start to the campaign from Rodriguez, who has taken to life to England’s top-flight with ease.
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