It’s the question that has plagued Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane throughout his time in charge of the club: What’s the deal with James Rodriguez? Does the French coach even rate the Colombian playmaker?
Following a season in which James only appeared in 26 La Liga games for the club, his lowest total since arriving in 2014, would James be shown the door this summer? The player has continued to excel for Colombia on international duty, where he's the focal point of the attack, but he's taken a back seat in Zidane's preferred 4-3-3 formation at Real.
Zinedine Zidane wants James to stay. Photo: @footballespana_ | Twitter
However, Zidane has launched a staunch defense of his relationship with the player, insisting that James is very much a part of his plans for the upcoming year.
“I do not want him to leave, he is a Madrid player, he just wants to play more, but you have to do what he is doing and work,” Zidane told the media.
“I hope to play him more this year but I want everyone to give the maximum, and then I decide every game.
“And I have 25 players, so I do not have anything against James, people always ask me the same. James is well in Madrid.”
James has been linked with Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and West Ham United having fallen down Zidane’s pecking order last year.
Real Madrid’s number 10 still managed to score seven La Liga goals while creating 60 chances for Los Blancos, second only to Luka Modric on the team.
(H/T: FourFourTwo)
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