Former left-back Stephen Warnock, who played under Rafa Benitez at Anfield, has claimed Everton playmaker James Rodriguez is set to remain in a state of limbo regarding his Everton future.
The ex-Reds man told Sky Sports News (9/8/21, 12:15 pm) that the former Monaco, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder will be ‘stuck’ at Everton for another season.
Claiming he is ‘not a Rafa player’, Warnock explained his reasoning as to why the Colombian’s future could create com plications for Everton.
The 30-year-old, who boasts experience with some of Europe’s most notable clubs, arrived on a free transfer from Real Madrid as a flagship signing under Carlo Ancelotti.
Conversely, Ancelotti’s departure over the summer to manage at Rodriguez’ former employer led to reports claiming the Colombian attacker was agitating for an exit.
Describing him as a ‘game-changer’, Warnock elaborated on what he feels Rodriguez adds to Everton – but ruled him out as a natural fit for Benitez’ tactical preferences.
“First and foremost, he’s not a Rafa player,” said Warnock via HITC. “Which is probably not what he wants to hear.
“But he’s a game-changer. Whether you use him sparingly off the bench. You know his qualities. He can change the game in a blink of an eye. Every time he gets on the ball, he’s looking to play the forward pass. The killer pass.
“What he lacks in work rate and tactical ability, he makes up for in other ways because he can change the game for you.
“But with the money he is on, will anybody come in for him and say ‘we really need a James Rodriguez in our team’? I think he might be stuck there for another season.”
Read Everton Verdict
Given that Benitez prefers a 4-2-3-1 system with a double pivot, Rodriguez is surely able to be accommodated in Everton’s plans.
Operating with both a creative midfielder and wingers, Rodriguez could fit in either role.
Especially if deployed centrally, Rodriguez could operate as a deep-lying pivot that looks to play through a ‘killer pass’ to others.
If Rodriguez remains, expect him to play a leading role for the Toffees.
