November 25, 2024, 10:41 PM
November 25, 2024, 10:41 PM
James Rodríguez is having a secondary role in Rayo Vallecano and, week after week, it is common to see him on the bench, a place from which he witnessed the entire match against Sevilla on the last day, remaining without playing for the third time so far this season .
The Colombian is going through a difficult time at Rayo Vallecano. Since his arrival on August 26, his role with the team has been testimonial and he barely totaled 136 minutes spread over six games, of which only one as a starter, the one on September 28 against Leganés.
During this time his presence on the bench has been constant and on three previous occasions, against Girona, Alavés, and this last day against Sevilla, he has been left without playing due to a technical decision. Nor did he do it against the modest Villamuriel in the Copa del Rey due to discomfort.
His usual position in the midfield is being occupied by Jorge de Frutos (961 minutes), although the Argentine Oscar Trejo (240) and even on occasion Isi Palazón (709) have also enjoyed minutes in that position, although in his case It is usually seen more at the extremes.
That secondary role at Rayo has begun to be the cause of rumors of a possible departure, something that the Madrid club categorically denies.
“To this day I have not assessed any particular situation of any player. We are focused only on the team, on playing the remaining games, which are very important and then the market will say what we need. The coach will also have to look at the planning and James continues to be very important. James in the squad brings us a lot of quality, not only on the field, but also in the locker room,” said sports director, David Cobeño, before the last game against Sevilla.
James’ situation at Rayo contrasts with the situation he is experiencing with his national team, where he is an important player and in the last three months he has played six games, four of them as a starter, accounting for 419 minutes.
