Néstor Lorenzo expresses his concern for James Rodríguez at Rayo Vallecano

2024 is about to come to an end and along with it a year full of great achievements for Colombian football in terms of personal achievements for the footballers in their different clubs, local tournaments and, of course, for the Colombian National Team led by Néstor Lorenzo.

This year brought with it two new champions of Colombian soccer, one for the first time in its history, Atlético Bucaramangaand also to National Athleticwho continues to enforce his nickname of the “King of Cups”, reaching his #18 star in the highest division of Colombian Professional Soccer and the seventh trophy in the BetPlay Cup.

In terms of individual achievements, it was possible to see the international title carried out by Juan Fernando Quintero and Roger Martinez wearing the Racing Club shirt and staying champions of the Copa Sudamericana for the first time.

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The goals of Luis Diaz in England and John Cordoba In Russia, the arrival of Radamel Falcao and David Ospina to the FPC to wear the Millonarios and Nacional shirts were also events that filled more than 50 million Colombians with joy.

The ’10’ of the ‘tricolor’ resurfaced after his time in Brazilian football, where He could not shine with the Sao Paulo shirtbut it was again an opportunity in the Colombian National Team that allowed him to demonstrate all the talent that the clubs he has played for have not been able to take advantage of.

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The Copa América was the tournament in which James once again stood out, having been a fundamental piece in Néstor Lorenzo’s tactical scheme to reach the grand final. This participation in which was runner-up and was chosen as best player of the contest opened the doors to Spanish football, where I would play wearing the Rayo Vallecano shirt.

“As soon as I arrived, I arranged a trip to Europe, but first I went to Qatar to see him. He was playing little and I asked him: ‘Do you want to be in the National Team?’ Told me: ‘Néstor, me, for the National Team, anything’told me. ‘Well, you can’t be playing here.’ The guy showed me his commitment by leaving, giving up a lot of money to go to Greece and then Brazil. He was looking for a way to be in more competitive football. Then the technicians have their idea and he needs to be well surrounded. I have known him since I was in Porto.”

Unfortunately, under the command of the Spanish strategist, Iñigo Pérez, the Colombian midfielder has not had the due prominence that was expected after his arrival. He has played only 205 minutes between LaLiga and the Copa del Reya total of 7 disputed matches in which one assist has been reported, a situation that greatly worries the coach of the Colombian National Team, Néstor Lorenzo, who recently expressed his dissatisfaction with this situation.

“Yes, I am concerned about his situation at Rayo Vallecano. He talked to him continually, that he has to play and find a way to compete. We had him focused on the Copa América for 50 days, but now that will be very difficult with so little time. He has to come with his preparation done and the game in mind.”