James Rodriguez continues to leave doubts after his arrival at Minnesota United. The Colombian player does not seem to count for anything for Cameron Knowles, and the club’s media environment is beginning to ask questions about the role that the Colombian has in the team. In the last two games he has played just one minute.
Meanwhile, Minnesota United is winning games without the Colombian, who left in search of minutes to get in shape for the World Cup with Colombia. An objective that, for now, he is not achieving.
“It’s a shame he doesn’t play more”
The account MNUFC News shared a harsh reflection on James Rodriguez’s present at the MLS team. “Let’s be realistic with James Rodriguez, this team doesn’t need him. It always felt that way. Chancalay and Pereyra have stepped up tremendously. Knowles will get some criticism, but I think he’s handled things well. The move seems more like a PR stunt for the club, and it’s working,” he said
“It’s a bit unfortunate that James is not playing more, of course, it’s what we fans want to see. But it’s not that surprising either. I think he can help the team in certain games, depending on the circumstances. You just have to moderate expectations with him,” he warns.
“Like last night, he wasn’t really going to come on when the team was clinging to a 1-0 away lead. Knowles has also shown a lot of guts. He’s got a world star sitting there and he keeps him on the bench. You have to respect him. He just wants to win with the right players on the pitch,” he said.
“I would also add to this thread that James has done well to remain professional so far. You would expect a player like him, when he’s not playing as much, to be more upset. We don’t know exactly how he actually feels, but there haven’t been any real signs of that,” he warns.
The reasons behind James Rodriguez’s absence
Andy Greder, a journalist for STP Pioneer Press, analyzed in conversation with Gol Caracol the reasons for James Rodriguez’s few minutes at Minnesota United: “James’ situation has been complicated from the start by the time it took to get his visa, the need to get fit and then his health issue after the international break. He played early with Colombia, but the hospitalization was a setback,” he said.
“Minnesota United have won four games in a row, so there has been no need for James to play in attack. They have a tight schedule, so if he does play it will be on Saturday against Los Angeles or on Tuesday against San Jose. The Loons have two attacking midfielders who are working very well at the moment: Argentines Joaquin Pereyra and Tomas Chancalay. Their connection with striker Kelvin Yeboah is contributing to James being left out,” he said.
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