Rayo Vallecano's acquisition of James Rodriguez was seen as one of the most impressive deals of the summer transfer window. However, the 33-year-old playmaker has hardly been used this season after being reduced to seven appearances in La Liga (one start).
James had not won the MVP at the 2024 Copa America, which makes the matter even more surprising. However, he does not complain about the situation, he told Marca.
“These are decisions I don't make, they are things I have no control over. I take responsibility for my stuff, but play or not… I have no control over it. My mission is to train well, to be physically good every day, as I am now and as I showed in the matches with Colombia. If I'm not physically well, I wouldn't play. That's why I try to take care of myself a lot. I try to train well in case I have to play, to be ready.
“Like everything in football, it's tastes and maybe there are coaches who play a certain way and you don't fit into their scheme. And that's completely respectable. I'm almost 34 years old and at a more mature point in my career. I know where to run, where to ask for the ball, where to create space.”
Rayo has done quite well without having to use James too much, so head coach Inigo Perez can't be knocked for his decision. Yet it remains surprising.
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