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Everton star James Rodriguez

Benitez took a sideways shot at James Rodriguez’s fitness while praising his ability.

The Blues’ boss said in the Liverpool Echo,

"At the beginning of the pre-season, it is not easy. I think you can see he has the quality on the ball but still his fitness is not what we are expecting, so it is normal at this time."

Rodriguez has played for Benitez at Real Madrid and the two fell out during Benitez’s short spell as boss. There’s no doubt what Rodriguez gives to Everton when he plays, the question seems to be how much he plays.

In 23 Premier League matches last season, he scored six goals and had four assists. Just let’s say, he plays 30 games that would be eight goals and five assists. However, the last time he played more than 30 games was in 2013-14 at Monaco.

His tantalizing skill is obvious, he can split a defence, drop a ball on a sixpence, and has a wicked shot. However, he lacks pace and relies on his incredible guile to set up the forwards and make space.

It’s been reported that Rodriguez can leave Everton if a suitable bid comes in. When Carlo Ancelotti, who bought him to Everton, went back to Real Madrid it was expected Rodriguez would join him.

It’s still not really known if Rodriguez will stay at Everton, he is on a high wage and could still garner £10-15 million in a transfer fee, which is more than Everton spent on him as he came on a free transfer.

So Rodriguez may get a little more time to be put in the shop window.