When Everton signed two-time Champions League winner James Rodriguez in the summer of 2020, the excitement surrounding the club was palpable.
Reuniting with Carlo Ancelotti, Rodriguez joined the club on a free transfer, signing an initial 2-year deal, with an option for a third.
His performances in the early part of the 2020/21 campaign were electric, scoring on his home debut in a 5-2 demolition of West Brom, before bagging a brace and picking up an assist in a 4-2 win over Brighton a few weeks later.
Indeed, it was a shame that such displays were in front of an empty stadium, with games played behind closed doors due to COVID-19, but there was a tangible anticipation of seeing such a talent in Everton blue, as fans counted down the days until Goodison would be a full-house once more.
However, Evertonians would never get to see James, departing for Qatari side Al-Rayyan after one year at the club, missing a total of 14 league games through injury, leaving some to question the Colombian’s commitment.
However, Everton’s former Director of Medical Services, Don Donachie has rebuffed suggestions that the ex-Real Madrid star had a poor attitude during his brief stay at Everton.
Speaking with the Unholy Trinity Podcast, Donachie said, “James is an unbelievable talent and probably one of the most talented players I’ve ever seen – if not the most talented. But his injury history was pretty bad when he came in, so I had my concerns about that.
“We had a lot of dialogue about that with Marcel [Brands] and Carlo about whether he’d be able to sustain playing in the Premier League.
“There are some ideas about his attitude as well and I think it’s absolute nonsense. His attitude is top-class. The thing that stopped him from performing is injuries and it’s so often the case.
“It’s really difficult when you’ve got a talent like that, and you can’t play and it’s really hard for James.”
Currently at Greek side Olympiacos, Rodriguez registered 6 goals and 9 assists in 26 appearances for Everton – if only we’d have got to see him play.