James Rodriguez’s time on Merseyside might be one of the most underrated seasons in Everton’s recent history. But why?
The Colombian signed for Everton in the summer of 2020 under Carlo Ancelotti. This would be Ancelotti’s first transfer window at the toffees since replacing Marco Silva after his sacking midway through the season prior.
During this window, the Italian, working alongside Director of Football, Marcel Brands would make four major signings, revamping his side’s midfield, signing Allan from Napoli, Doucoure from Watford and, perhaps most exciting of all, James Rodriguez from Real Madrid on a free transfer. Ben Godfrey would complete the transfer window, signing from Norwich City.
James would join the blues from the fourteen-times Champions League winners after losing his place in the first-team squad. Before returning to Spain, the midfielder had spent two seasons out on loan in Germany at Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munchen. His time in Germany would be a major success, scoring 14 goals and grabbing 14 assists during his two seasons.
however, despite this dazzling form for Bayern and still being only 29 years of age, the Spanish giants felt it no bother to let James leave the club on a free transfer.
Ancelotti would add the Colombian straight into the starting line-up, making his first competitive appearance for the club in the first game of the new season against Tottenham Hotspur. Everton would end up winning the game, 1-0, with much praise for EFC’s brilliant attacking performance being put down to the excellence of Rodriguez.
In his next game, Rodriguez would score his first goal for the club, grabbing a 1st half-stoppage goal to put his side 2-1 up. A hat-trick from Dominic Calvert-Lewin would mean the game ended 5-2 to the toffees, making it two wins in two.
James would do one better in his next match at Goodison Park, bagging twice in a 4-2 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.
He would end the Premier League season with 6 goals and 4 assists, adding a further 3 assists in the FA Cup. Injuries forced the midfielder to miss out on large parts of the season, only managing 26 games across all competitions across the season, meaning he managed a goal contribution every other game.
If he were able to stay fit for larger parts of the season, we can only wonder how many more goal contributions he would have mustered up.
Was Rodriguez's Everton career underrated?Yes
No
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If you answered ‘NO’, let us know why in the comments or via Facebook or Twitter @EFCVital