Everton star James Rodriguez is growing frustrated with life in England and would be tempted by a return to Spain with Atletico Madrid next summer, as reported by Defensa Central.
While the Colombia international has silenced those who tipped him to flop at Goodison Park, that is not to say James and the Premier League is a match made in heaven.
After a dazzling start to life on the blue half of Merseyside, one of Europe’s most naturally-gifted players has not enjoyed the same impact since the autumn.
Carlo Ancelotti, the coach who got the best out of the Colombia international at Real Madrid, has shifted James into a more central role after opposition teams started to exploit the gaps he was leaving down the right-hand side.
And, in his last 12 league games, the former Bayern Munich loanee has produced zero assists and just two goals.
James failed to make any sort of impression as Everton were ran into the ground by an energetic, aggressive Fulham side on Sunday. He was subbed off with what Ancelotti described as an unspecified ‘knock’ with 20 minutes of a damaging 2-0 defeat remaining.
Of course, James is no stranger to the odd kick of the shins, the occasional raking of the Achilles.
But, according to Defensa Central, he is increasingly frustrated with the niggling injuries he is beginning to accumulate in a league renowned for its physical nature.
DC adds that the less-than-sparkling English weather has also rained on his parade – quite literally. Then again, that was to be expected, given that James has swapped sunny Madrid for drizzly Merseyside.
The experienced play-maker came close to joining Real’s bitter rivals Atletico two years ago and DC believe that, if that opportunity arises again, he would certainly be tempted.
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