Why James Rodriguez Will Be The Player to Step Up vs Southampton
Following the wild 2-2 draw in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool, Everton was not only seen in the headlines for the wrong reasons but was also left short-handed for their upcoming game against Southampton following a Richarlison red card.
With Richarlison now suspended for the games against Southampton, Newcastle United, and Manchester United, the question is who is the next man up to cover the Brazilian’s productivity on the front line?
At first glance, Everton currently lacks the necessary quality and depth at the left-wing position behind Richarlison.
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Alex Iwobi, Anthony Gordon, and Bernard could all potentially be candidates to fill the left-wing position, but they all either lack either the necessary playing time or quality on the field as Richarlison provides weekly.
That means that the only player that can truly help fill the void left in the attack for these next three games is, Toffees’ star signing, James Rodriguez.
The Colombian has been one of the key players in Everton’s evolution this season under Carlo Ancelotti, possessing tremendous on the ball creativity, visionary passing, and the ability to score, James helps shape the attack heading into the opponent’s final third.
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In the 4-3-3 formation, James has thrived in the right-wing position but also does well when needing to shift more centrally in the midfield.
The 29-year-old likes to create overlapping runs with the midfield and fullbacks, giving himself that space needed to get more central to the attack once he receives the ball, and from there he is able to find his teammates in the attacking build-up.
In the Merseyside derby, we saw Everton shifting their formation having Rodriguez play more centrally to allow for Everton’s attack to open up more against Liverpool’s pressing defence.
We will most likely see this happen more often over these next few games with defences likely to create more pressure on Calvert-Lewin as the left-wing position won’t seem as much of a priority to opposing defences.
However, don’t expect the former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid star to be fazed by the added pressure from defences, as he’s shown this season, he is more than willing and capable to create chances with his shooting and is always looking to set up teammates like Calvert-Lewin with his precise passing, whether playing close to the touchline or centrally.
Currently completing 88 percent of his passes this season, along with three goals and four assists, James Rodriguez will look to build upon his early success and lead Everton’s front line these next three games as they await Richarlison’s return.
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Are we gearing up for yet another James Rodriguez masterclass?