The Columbian has not featured for Everton in the first three Premier League matches this season.
Everton manager Rafael Benitez has no doubts in James’ quality but he has urged the midfielder to show more commitment to break into the first team this season.
Former Real Madrid midfielder joined Everton in Septemeber 2020 when he followed Carlo Ancelotti to England. James started the season really well but things turned south really soon for him at Goodison Park. Once the Italian tactician left the club, there were constant rumours of Rodriguez leaving Merseyside.
“I have seen what was going on at the end of the season, what was going on this season with some social media comments,”
“It was not easy, because he was available in the transfer window. Now that we have just the Middle East window open, it’s not easy.
“I think he realised he has to improve in a lot of things. He has to focus, he has to show his commitment. That’s what he’s trying to do and that is good for us.”
the Spaniard said at a press conference.
The Spanish tactician believes that James staying with the Toffees will help the club in the long run. The Colombian’s quality is not unknown to anyone so Benitez’s point of view is pretty viable at this point. he can very well use James in a substitute role or pick and choose the right matches for him.
“If he stays with us, it’s good news for us because he can give us something more. We don’t have any doubt about his quality, we have to be sure that we have players playing for 90 minutes with the intensity we’re looking for.”
