The final round of the group stage of the 2024 Copa América has begun and the Colombian national team is one of the four teams that have qualified early for the quarterfinals. The select group is completed by Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela.
The excellent performance of the team led by Néstor Lorenzo has positioned it as one of the favourites to take home the tournament trophy. Not only is the tactical performance outstanding, but several players have shone as key figures for the national team.. Among them, James Rodríguez stands out, whose performance is reminiscent of the talented young man who dazzled at the 2014 World Cup..
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Precisely, James Rodríguez made a crucial assist in the last match, which culminated in a resounding 3-0 victory for Colombia. With this pass, he adds a total of three outstanding assists in the competition so far. The performance of the captain of the national team has been so evident that one of his biggest critics, through his social networks, expressed admiration for the good condition of the midfielder and praised the 10 coffee grower.
This is football commentator Carlos Antonio Vélez, who has repeatedly questioned James for his attitude in different clubs, including his behavior in the national team. On this occasion, The journalist highlighted the new version of the player from Cúcuta, which has made him shine in the Copa América and has placed him as one of the best players in the oldest competition between national teams.
“It’s not that he runs less, he never ran, and that he thinks more… it’s that he reached the maturity that comes from being beaten and being marginalized with plenty of potential. Eleven coaches have ‘discussed’ him, to say the least, and that ultimately leaves its mark. The new James is supportive, a leader, without airs of a star (main artist), one more, a teammate of all, he works and plays,” Vélez indicated on his X account.
The sports commentator stressed that what was seen in the continental competition is the result of Rodríguez’s maturity and growth. According to Vélez, the captain of the national team now shows a new leadership attitude, which makes him a more complete player on the field and more useful for Néstor Lorenzo’s tactical scheme.
“You have to admit that he has changed for the better without losing his technique, and rather he has added sacrifice and solidarity. He works, steals, risks physically and puts his foot in… without the ball he makes an appearance. Today that is as important as playing with the ball. He is the same James with the ball, but he is different from his work and team play. He is applying Alfredo Di Stéfano’s maxims… ‘No player is as good as all of them together.’ And ‘There are many players who do not work for the team but for themselves. The great player is the one from the community.’ Not one point less or one comma more. Cheers!”
James Rodriguez’s situation is unique. The talented left-footer reached the peak of his career after the 2014 World Cup, where he shone with Real Madrid during a dream season. However, everything changed with the arrival of Zidane as manager. Since then, Rodriguez has spent time at clubs in Germany, England and even Saudi Arabia, without managing to shine again as he did in his prime.
The player from Cucuta returned to South America with São Paulo of Brazil, where he had a good start with some performances in the first matches. However, as in his previous experiences in other leagues, he lost prominence over time.
What is special about James is that, despite his lack of continuity in his club, he continues to be one of the key players of the Colombian national team. With the arrival of Néstor Lorenzo at the helm of the national team, Rodríguez has experienced a notable rebirth that has captured the attention of the entire press. Even some São Paulo fans have publicly demanded that the leadership apologize to the number 10 and give him a leading role in the team, due to the impact he has once again had on the continent.
“Zubeldía has to apologize to James, give him the number 10 and put him in the game. There is no one in the São Paulo squad better than him,” he said.
“I can talk, the way São Paulo is, I agree to build a team around James Rodríguez, and I’m tired of pretending not to.”
