Real Madrid will most likely sell James Rodriguez this summer with one year left on the player’s contract, but there’s a case to be made that the Colombian has become underrated.
It’s hard not to feel for Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez. The 2019-2020 season was supposed to be his year to show the world that he’s still a world-class No. 10. It was supposed to be his time to shine and show both current manager Zinedine Zidane and former manager Niko Kovac that he has the effort and quality to start every match.
James started the 2019-2020 season brightly as a key player in the team. He dazzled against the likes of Sevilla and Granada, creating a bevy of big chances as Real’s top creative midfielder. But unfortunately, he faded due to injuries, with Zidane preferring Isco by the end of the season.
With one year left on his contract, James is almost certainly on the way out. Arsenal, Everton, Newcastle, and clubs beyond the Premier League could have interest in the 28-year-old, who has name recognition. But the name recognition shouldn’t overshadow the quality on the field; James is a top player when healthy.
Far from overrated, James has become underrated due to the injuries and the issues he’s had convincing his managers. For example, James was one of Bayern Munich’s most impressive players during his two-year loan spell, playing a crucial role for Die Roten in his first season. He was also excellent in his second season when he played, but injuries and poor decision-making from Kovac doomed James, who soured on his time at Bayern by the end of the loan.
It’s easy to forget, but James was a legitimate world-class player at Bayern when he received regular playing time. The man scored seven goals with 11 assists, including some true highlight-reel gems, in 2017-2018. And then in 2018-2019, he bagged seven goals with three assists for an underwhelming Bayern side despite only playing 1,143 minutes. That’s an incredible scoring rate for an attacking midfielder sharing scoring duties with the prolific Robert Lewandowski and breakout man Serge Gnabry.
Whichever team ends up signing James in the 2020 summer transfer window could be getting a steal. James’ price will fall due to his recent injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic, so his value is at an all-time low. Real Madrid are essentially forced to sell him for something due to the expiring contract.
But even if Los Blancos have to keep James for one more year, it’s far from a disaster. On the contrary, many Madridistas will love having the Colombian playmaker back for one more year. Because they know as well as anyone that he’s a special player capable of scoring wonder goals and creating chances from nothing. A consistent passer in the final third, James is a difference-maker. Players like that are simply not underrated.