Real Madrid: The challenges James Rodriguez faces next
James Rodriguez doesn’t have much time to convince Real Madrid he should stay.
Real Madrid attacking midfielder James Rodriguez is one of the most talented No. 10’s in world football. It’s a claim few will dispute, as meager as James’ goal contributions have been over the past season, which has been overshadowed by injuries and a lack of playing time.
Once again, James has fallen out of favor under Zinedine Zidane’s leadership, with Isco returning to form in the second half of the 2019-2020 season. And with Marco Asensio set to return from injury and Martin Odegaard emerging as a future Real superstar, James’ long-term standing with the team has taken a major hit.
James has one year left on his contract, and Real Madrid could sell him for a nice fee, even in the current market. There are several Premier League sides who would love to get their hands on the former World Cup standout and Bayern Munich star.
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In the final games of the 2019-2020 season when La Liga begins again, James Rodriguez will have to face the massive challenge of first getting into the lineup and then, secondly, showing Zidane he’s worth keeping around.
James faces long odds. He’ll need to receive enough playing time in the final games of the season or dazzle in limited opportunities.
Because if he wants to stay with Real, he needs to earn a contract extension, otherwise Los Blancos cannot risk losing him for free in the winter transfer window.
Furthermore, James has a high bar to reach. The 28-year-old must show that he can offer so much to the club that even Odegaard’s future and Asensio’s future can’t overshadow him.
Reinier Jesus, Takefusa Kubo, and Oscar Rodriguez are other impressive attacking midfielders to consider.
With his ability to create key chances, magical volleys, and hard work in midfield, James has all the tools to succeed at the Santiago Bernabeu or beyond. For example, the Emirates Stadium could use a player of James’ star quality.
Madridistas would love to see James succeed with the team and would hate to see him find top form at rivals Atletico Madrid, who appear to be hot on the Colombian’s heels.
But at the end of the day, the signs point to Rodriguez spending his final days at Madrid whenever the 2019-2020 runs its course before getting a transfer elsewhere. Real Madrid can use the saved wages on another player and will have other standout attacking midfielders in their ranks, but James will undoubtedly be missed.
Next. Real Madrid can win wide open La Liga. dark
Some may say his challenge is impossible in these final weeks, but James has the talent to prove people wrong. After all, he has some legends, such as Roberto Carlos, backing him.