Carlo Ancelotti’s influence on James Rodriguez’s move to Everton was clear for all to see.
The Italian had worked with James at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich before and was clearly keen to engineer another reunion.
Rodriguez has spoken to the club’s official website about the debt of gratitude he owes Ancelotti.
His admiration for Ancelotti is obvious and the superstar pairing are key to success at Goodison Park right now.
“I had to go to a team where I could be trusted,” said James. “I needed to play under a coach who knows me, how I behave on and off the pitch.
“I’ll be forever grateful to the club and to Carlo. That is why I try to show my best and play at my highest level in every game.
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“This is a club which has hunger to accomplish big things. This year, I am watching the Champions League from home. We’ve got what we need to be there next year.
“We have to be hungry to succeed in every game. We have talented, top-level players and if we all follow the same path, I’m sure we’ll be able to accomplish awesome things.”
James gave the whole club a lift and that was a huge help in the early weeks of the season.
He’s struggled with injury lately, but that actually allowed Ancelotti to build a solid, pacey, reactive counter-attacking plan to beat some of the league’s best sides.
That said, his invention was missed against West Ham on Friday night as the Toffees went down 1-0.
Nigel Martyn suggested it might be best if James didn’t play in every single game, allowing Ancelotti to better tailor his approach.
Nobody knows the Colombian better than Ancelotti, and nobody is better placed to make that judgement call.