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Everton eye extending Rodriguez’s pact

By Paul Conatzer

Everton's Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez has an unsuccessful shot during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Crystal Palace at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on April 5, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Clive Brunskill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Everton's Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez has an unsuccessful shot during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Crystal Palace at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on April 5, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Clive Brunskill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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James Rodriguez was a footballing eternity (6 years) away from his Golden Boy status after winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup when he moved to Everton.

However, his move to Everton from Real Madrid still created quite a stir in the summer of 2020.  It also provoked a number of questions. Such as – how much magic did the 29-year-old have left?

Could the Colombian international handle the physicality and pace of the Premier League and would he track back and help out on defense?

For Toffees Manager Carlo Ancelotti the answer to all three questions is yes.

Rodriguez’s original deal with the Blues is set to end in 2022. However, Ancelotti and Marcel Brands, Everton’s director of football, want to keep the 29-year-old attacking midfielder for another season until 2023.

Both Brands and Ancelotti see Rodriguez playing a big part for the Goodison Park club, according to Columbian paper Marca.

Despite earlier reports there seems little doubt Rodriguez is happy on Merseyside and playing for Ancelotti. In addition to the Toffees, the two have worked together at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Rodriguez and Ancelotti have a great relationship.

The playmaker told evertonfc.com

"“I’m with a manager who knows exactly what I’m like. He knows how to relate to his players and staff. I get on fantastically well with him, just like a father and son.   So, everything was very easy and straightforward."

Injuries have forced Rodriguez to miss 10 of the 32 Premier League games, Everton have played this season.

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But he has been good in the 22 games, he has played. He’s found the back of the net six times and has five assists.

And while he will never be confused with a defensive midfielder. Rodriguez has made contributions on defense. He has averaged a tackle a game and has 121 clearances.

Of course, it’s with the ball that Ancelotti expects Rodriguez to make the biggest contribution as the Blues chase Europe with six games left.

Ancelotti told the Liverpool Echo He believes Rodriguez’ will play a big role in the last six matches of the season as Everton work towards European qualification.

Rodriguez believes he can up his contribution to the Toffees, telling evertonfc.com
He was reasonably happy with his play, but believed he could play better.

So what do you think? Is James Rodriguez worth another year at Everton, let us know? 

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