What James Rodriguez has done since leaving Everton that now makes him ‘a problem’

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Of all the clubs in the Premier League, few have had it tougher in the last few years than Everton.

Although that may come across as disingenuous to those who have been relegated, or some without the financial might of the Toffees, given the expectations that Farhad Moshiri brought with him, the gulf between that and the actual outcome has been abhorrent.

Almost nothing has worked out, and whilst Carlo Ancelotti’s departure was unforeseen and not his fault, the blame for what he did after lies directly at his feet.

The appointment of Rafa Benitez was doomed from the start, so when the form started to dwindle the fanbase understandably turned.

His was a tenure never set to succeed, and yet their Iranian owner backed him wholeheartedly amid the start of their financial crisis and subsequent cutback in spending.

The Spaniard was all too keen to make one man his scapegoat, banishing James Rodriguez at the first opportunity just as he had done at Real Madrid.

It drew widespread frustration, given how many fans were not given the opportunity to see such a technically gifted superstar live during the Covid season.

How has James Rodriguez fared since leaving Everton?

Well, since leaving for Olympiacos, and most recently settling in Brazil after his release, things have been far from smooth sailing.

In fact, Brazil legend Luis Fabiano has actually spoken out about how Sao Paolo is struggling because of the 32-year-old magician. He noted: ‘”For me, James is a problem.

‘With the requirement of ownership, it is a problem, because you will be held hostage by the player. If the guy plays two badly, are you going to keep the guy? What about the cast?

‘It’s merit. He has to be a starter if he deserves it, if he plays more than the others, if he has a better condition, if he has a better yield. Now, he wants to demand it because it’s James, I don’t agree.’

How good was James Rodriguez for Everton?

Whilst his attitude may have been a problem elsewhere, and admittedly nowadays his status as a luxury commodity would not fly with Sean Dyche, few can deny the talent he showcased across his sole season at Goodison Park.

He was mesmeric, and when on form ran the show from all over the field.

Scoring six and assisting five in just 23 Premier League games was only the tip of the iceberg for his immeasurable quality, given how his mere presence saw chances forged with relative regularity and ease.

He was one of few players in recent memory who could take a game by the scruff of the neck, whether that be through creating or scoring himself, and drag his team through.

Although such doggedness was only seen on occasion during that 2021/22 term, with injuries plaguing his tenure, there were a few standout moments.

Key goals at home to Leicester City, away to Manchester United, and the vital assist to put them ahead in their first win over Liverpool at Anfield since 1999, all spring to mind.

The fact that the bulk of the fanbase never got to see Rodriguez in the flesh is a tragedy, however this latest controversy perhaps suggests that Benitez’s decision was not completely ludicrous.