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Can James be Everton super sub this season

By Matt Townsend

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: James Rodriguez of Everton takes on Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: James Rodriguez of Everton takes on Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /
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After an ultimately frustrating transfer window for Everton one player who didn’t leave despite being repeatedly linked with a move away was James Rodriguez.

Most Everton fans probably expected Rodriguez to be at a new club once the window shut and given his apparent lack of commitment to the cause it would have probably been the best thing for both parties.

The Colombian star was always likely to want to move on after Carlo Ancelotti walked out and returned to Real Madrid and was replaced by Rafa Benitez who has had an uneasy relationship with him.

While the majority of Toffees fans would want him to stay, realistically once his mentor Ancelotti had gone it did seem as though his time at Goodison Park was coming to an end.

But, a deal didn’t happen although there is still a chance that he will go with stories centering on a possible move to Turkey before their transfer window closes tomorrow.

Assuming that doesn’t happen though (and I can’t really see Rodriguez wanting to play in Turkey’s league or that they can meet his wage demands) what role, if any, can James play for the Blues this season?

Given his difficult history with Benitez, the manager’s willingness to let him leave this summer and his tactical approach, it seems unlikely Rodriguez will be considered for a regular staring place in the side.

His attitude is also problematic with it looking increasingly as though he really doesn’t care about the club or playing alongside his team-mates. Having said that though if he wants a move away next year then he needs to be playing at least for some part of this season.

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The Colombian is a huge talent with immense technical skill and creative ability and given that he is probably staying at least until January if not until next summer, then surely a role can be found for him.

This is true not least because Benitez doesn’t have a deep squad and many attacking options to call on and if he has injuries and/or suspensions, he will need every player he has.

I think he could become something like a ‘super-sub’ type of player who can come off the bench and provide something different, a creative spark that might help Everton break down stubborn opponents or retrive a game from a losing position.

His ability to find a pass and open up a defence is outstanding and is certainly second to none in this Toffees team.

James could also share game-time with Andros Townsend as they both tend to operate on the right hand side of the team’s attack.

Well these are all possible ways in which Rodriguez – assuming he has the right attitude and motivation – could still play an active part in the Blues efforts this season.

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