Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane admits Colombian international James Rodriguez is a 'problem’ at the club given his lack of game time currently. The 25-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Bernabeu and is said to be unsettled after spending so much of his time on the bench.
Zidane has chosen the likes of Lucas Vasquez, Marco Asensio and Isco ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner and it showed again last weekend when the former AS Monaco man failed to even walk on to the pitch during his side's 1-1 draw against arch-rivals Barcelona.
With only two appearances for the club in the last ten La Liga games, Zidane admits the Colombian is a problem but reiterates his desire to keep him at the club given he'll need everyone's help come the start of the new year.
Talking to media on Tuesday afternoon, Zidane said: “I really admire James Rodriguez, because he always trains hard and is always very helpful. I’m on good terms with him, like with everybody else here.
“A player who doesn’t get enough game time, however, could ask to leave the club. He’s an important player for me and Real Madrid, but he’s a problem for us now as he doesn’t get consistent game time. I know I’ll need the help of everybody throughout the season.”
Rodriguez has made thirteen appearances for the club this season in all competitions but almost all of them as a substitute. In that time, he's scored two goals and contributed seven assists – a figure that better that of current first-choice attacking midfielder, Isco.
Isco has made fifteen appearances for the club this season having gone through a spell on the sidelines much like James' current situation but he's also only scored two goals and provided even fewer assists in five. And while we agree stats don't say everything, Isco has been more contributing to the style that Zidane prefers and is hence the chosen player.
Rodriguez, however, has a host of suitors all across Europe. Italian champions Juventus are said to be closely monitoring his situation and could make a move for him in the summer to further boost their midfield.
Meanwhile, former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is also said to be a fan and could ask around for his valuation come the end of the season. Mourinho is said to be in the market for another mobile midfielder and sees the Colombian as the last piece of his Manchester United puzzle.
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