James Rodríguez, from not playing in San Pablo to starting in Colombia: “Run less and think more” :: Olé

James David Rodríguez Rubio did not have a dream season. Those objectives that he had when he arrived in San Pablo in the middle of last year faded away as the months went by. And, after observing several games from the outside, some due to injury and others due to tactical decision, the Copa América became a new opportunity to demonstrate his worth. It was the return of Néstor Lorenzo that helped him reach that level. The same as this Friday, in the press conference after the 3-0 victory against Costa Rica, explained the reasons for his improvement.

The former Real Madrid player was the protagonist in Colombia’s rout and even assisted Jhon Córdoba in the last goal of the match. “I know the love he has for these colours, that’s why It hurt me a lot when they criticized him so much and that’s why I trusted him, because I know that his commitment to the national team is supreme,” the coach began by saying.

The former assistant of José Pekerman is not unaware of the questions that James has been the victim of recently. Since Luis Zubeldía’s arrival in Brazil, the player born in Cúcuta has only been present in the match against Palmeiras that was played in April (he came on after 85 minutes of play). And, in response to repeated questions, his coach was blunt.He has to gain physical condition, pace of play. “If I don’t put it in, it’s because I think other options are better for the team and that’s why I’m here,” he explained.

The view of his compatriot, Lorenzo, is different, as he valued other abilities of the 32-year-old footballer. “He now runs less and thinks more. And this helps him too, because he has a team around him and gives him alternatives to his game, and that’s what also makes him shine“, he said.

Of course, the scar from his soleus muscle injury was not left out of the analysis: it became a recurring problem in Rodríguez’s career. Although, in May, physiotherapist Daniel Acosta provided details of his state of health. “He was in a position to play 90 minutes. To play every three days, there must be management and control of loads. It is not about choosing games, but giving priority to eventualities, for example travel. For the Copa America, James is in perfect condition“, he warned some time ago on the Win Sports program Primer Toque.

The Colombians gave no chance to the Costa Ricans, who had just played a great game against Brazil, and beat them 3-0 in the second match of Group D to secure their place in the quarterfinals of the continental competition. And, after the victory in Phoenix, Colombia reached a streak of 25 games without knowing defeat.

The positive streak began on March 24, 2022, when the team beat Bolivia 3-0 at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez. At that time, the coach in charge was Reinaldo Rueda, who ended up stepping aside after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Despite this, the streak was already underway.

Since that match, Colombia played 24 matches, of which they did not lose any. The last defeat? 1 to 0 against Argentina in Córdoba, on date 16 of the South American Qualifiers heading to Qatar. Since then, the Colombians have not fallen: They won 20 duels and drew just five.