2021/22 James Rodriguez

[coleman=quality]

Who would he have displaced in today's side, looking at what we saw today?

Richarlison's antics aside, that was a committed team effort one through eleven and the midfielders and wingers all played great two-way football. It would have been a weaker side with James just gliding around. Even if he threaded a few silky passes for a goal or big chance here or there.

As insane as it sounded, if we're going to play like this week in and week out I think I agree with RB that he doesn't fit.

Sad to say with such a big name and quality player but true no room for passengers.

 

[BNJ1878]

Sad to say with such a big name and quality player but true no room for passengers.

Absolutely this.

Can't believe people still argue his corner.

Saunters on to the pitch when HE wants, pings a few top quality balls around (unquestionably) and takes a week or two off.

Successful teams work their bollocks off. He doesn't.

 

[dano195]

Honestly can't see him getting off. Loaning Kean out means we'd have to sell him. Can't see anyone buying him

 

[Jay]

There is a big possibility that he will be here after the window closes, he and his agent might decide to stay here and wait for January where he can sign for anyone as free transfer (moves next summer)

 

[arbok]

James is a top talent but is a bit unreliable with injuries. He could still stay imo, but he’d have to play Rafas style which would be pretty different to how we played last year. Top footballers can fit many teams and I’m sure James could do it.

 

[MikeH72]

I actually think his absence of pace would really hinder us in the way we’re playing currently*

*this isn’t me saying he is a poor footballer

 

[Frenk]

Brilliant player, probably too much quality to be at club at our level.. but zero backbone as a professional footballer. Its no coincidence that he missed so many games for us last season with trivial injuries looking back at his career. How many games did he miss after Virgil injured his ball last season? We used it against VVD in the pickford argument but if we're being honest he hardly touched James.
Will look back at his career once its over and regret having all the quality in the world but no spine.

Ball injuries are quite serious, don’t mock it. A knock can quite literally make you feel like you are going to die.

 

[Groucho]

Done alright without him so far

 

[Toffe3m4n]

Don't need him at this point.

We look better playing this system, and it's a system he doesn't really fit in.

 

[BainesontoastNEW]

Done alright without him so far

Yeah. Also, where would he fit in IF we were to try? Truth is, we don't need him.

 

[BlueToff]

Don't need him at this point.

We look better playing this system, and it's a system he doesn't really fit in.

There will be a time that we won't just be able to rely on one way of playing.

We are looking to move him on. Sound.

But, if he's here next Wednesday, then he should absolutely be used and integrated back into the squad and made clear to him that we do see him as contributing.

We can't have £190k a week or whatever it is, and a player of James' quality, sitting at home for no reason.

I do think RB would use him if he stays. It doesn't mean he has to start every game. Doesn't mean we build the system around him. Just use him as and when required.

Personally, I'd like to see what damage James Rodriguez could do to Norwich and Watford.

 

[BlueToff]

Yeah. Also, where would he fit in IF we were to try? Truth is, we don't need him.

That's fine. But if he stays, which is in the balance, then we should use him, shouldn't we?

Not at expense of the system or other players necessarily.

Also, it's been four games. We played well yesterday, very professional, good away display, and were the better team v Leeds.

We got legged by Huddersfield and played well for about 20 mins v S'ton. I'm not going overboard in overrating us. But the signs are promising.

 

[Charles Hawtrey]

That's fine. But if he stays, which is in the balance, then we should use him, shouldn't we?

Not at expense of the system or other players necessarily.

Also, it's been four games. We played well yesterday, very professional, good away display, and were the better team v Leeds.

We got legged by Huddersfield and played well for about 20 mins v S'ton. I'm not going overboard in overrating us. But the signs are promising.

Wait till we pick up a couple of injuries and suspensions.......

 

[BlueToff]

Wait till we pick up a couple of injuries and suspensions.......

This is my point.

Now, as long as players come in then James going, we'll live. It'd be a huge shame, but we'd manage.

However, if he stays, then we should absolutely use him. Imagine having James Rodriguez to just drop in and out of the team and also be able to switch up the way we're playing.

Super Blues on Twitter have got their knives out already, cause suddenly Townsend and Gray are world class players and Iwobi has managed to string 4 decent displays together. I think both are good signings and have started well, but we deserve what we get.

Now, James clearly isn't arsed about being here and we need his wages off the books, so if he goes, sound (as long as players are coming in). If he stays, he can absolutely be very, very useful.

 

[HokieToffee]

So guess he's staying then?