The James Rodriguez brouhaha at Real Madrid is not getting away so easily at the moment, is it?
Well, according to Fernando Morientes the Colombia international is not the right fit for Madrid’s “tactical system”, despite regarding him as a “great talent”.
Following a sparkling World Cup in 2014, Los Blancos splashed a whooping €75 million to bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu, having played at Monaco. The midfielder has since gone on to feature in 125 appearances for the Spanish capital finding the back of the net on 37 occasions while also providing 42 assists.
But his productivity has done little to guarantee him a regular place in the first team in the last few years. He was allowed to move to Bayern Munich for a two-year loan spell having struggled to nail down a starting berth in Spain.
His return after an impressive loan has done little to his situation though, and has been left out of Zinedine Zidane’s squad for the last two games in the Spanish La Liga.
With fewer appearances this season, and just 78 minutes since the league’s restart, the 29-year-old is said to be considering a move away from Zidane’s team.
Arsenal, Everton, Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are all reported to hold keen interest in the player ahead of the summer transfer window.
The former Madrid striker told La Liga TV: “He has a great talent and he is a special player but does not fit in Real Madrid’s tactical system. I am sure he can succeed in any other team.”
Madrid look on course to secure their 34th league title, after the 2-1 win over Granada restored their four points lead over Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table.
Morientes has been in awe of the performances of Karim Benzema who scored his 19th league goal of 2019/20 campaign on Monday night.
“Benzema is having a fantastic season, he has assumed the role of leader with [Sergio] Ramos and if nothing prevents it, he will soon be a league champion,” the Spaniard added. “He has given the team what they needed after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure.”
