Rayo Vallecano's acquisition of James Rodriguez was seen as one of the most impressive pieces of business during the summer transfer window. However, the 33-year-old playmaker has been in short supply this season, being reduced to seven appearances in La Liga (one start).
James was out to win the MVP at the 2024 Copa America, which makes the matter even more surprising. However, he does not complain about the situation, as he said Marco.
“These are decisions that I do not have to make, these are things that I cannot control. I take responsibility for my things, but whether I play or not… I do not have control. My mission is to train well, to be physically well every day, as I am now and as I showed in the matches with Colombia. Here, if I'm not good physically, I won't play. That's why I'm trying to take care of myself a lot .I try to train well in case I have to play, to be ready.
“Like everything in football, there are tastes and maybe there are coaches who play in a certain way and it does not fit into their scheme. And this is completely respectable. I am almost 34 years old and I am at a more mature point of my career. I know where to run, where to ask for the ball, where to create space.”
Ray they coped well enough without using James too much, so coach Inigo Perez cannot be blamed for his decision. However, it is still surprising.
