Former Valencia forward Gaizka Mendieta has said that James Rodriguez didn’t utilise on the opportunities he got at the Santiago Bernabeu.
James Rodriguez signed for Real Madrid after the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He used to regularly feature for Los Blancos in the first three seasons but was sent on loan to Bayern after the arrival of Zidane.
He spent two seasons at the Allianz Arena and was called back because of his impressive performances. However, he still hasn’t been able to cement his place in the starting line up under Zidane. Mendieta claims that James is a ‘real player’ but he didn’t capitalise on his advantages at Real Madrid.
“James seems like a real player to me. I really enjoy watching him and I’d like to see him on the pitch more, but due to injury and other reasons he hasn’t been.
“A club like Real Madrid can’t give players advantages, but he’s had them given to him.”
Since his return, Rodriguez has featured just 13 times in all competitions under Zidane, mostly coming as a substitute. The Colombian star’s contract at the Bernabeu is set to expire in 2021 and the club will be looking for suitors for him. The club needs to cash in on him before it’s too late.
Los Blancos will host Eibar in the first game of the resumed La Liga season on June 14. They will play all their remaining home fixture at the Alfredo de Stefano Stadium due to the renovation works going on at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid are two points behind leaders FC Barcelona and will be looking forward to pip them by winning the remaining fixtures.
