James Rodríguez did not appear on the field in the game that Leeds beat Everton 2-3. And it was the big news. It was a hard-fought victory, achieved from sacrifice and not from showing off, in which few missed the left-hander.
Thats the reality. In the English media there was more talk about the commitment of Yerry Mina, who was scored with 8 points, about the strength of goalkeeper Olsen, who was raised above Pickford, the good Sigurdsson and, more than anything, Ben Godfrey.
“He’s here, there, he’s everywhere, he’s Ben Godfrey. Who knows what position Ancelotti will use him in against Manchester United on Saturday, but he has to find a place for him. He hasn’t played in midfield yet but he would do an excellent job. Everton’s signing of the season? Performances like this say it is, “wrote the Liverpool Echo.
Well, no. They did not talk about how much James could have been missed because they understood not from this game but for a long time the rotation model that Ancelotti uses so as not to saturate his players and not repeat cases like Digne or Allan, who, if they became irreplaceable, ended up exposed to injuries serious. The left-hander himself is another example, after his absence between December 12 and January 1, due to calf problems.
Against Leeds it was not the 19 but neither Keane, a fixed man in the rear, nor Coleman, an institution within the club. Both had played against Newcastle and he is keen for them to rest for the grind to come. Even Godfrey had a break in the previous game, although according to the Echo “the team is now Godfrey and ten more.” The case of Calvert-Lewin, who stopped due to injury, or that of Richarlison, also without the burden of games of other key men, is different. Everyone should stop, no matter how much it bothers them.
And it was James’ turn. Why? The explanation is on the calendar. The first challenge, this Saturday, will be the visit to Manchester United, second classified in the Premier. On Wednesday the 10th, at Goodison Park, will be the match of the fifth round of the FA Cup against Tottenham. At home, on the 14th, the rival will be Fulham, just before the visit to Anfield, in the derby against Liverpool, on January 20.
On March 1st we will have to wait for Southampton (who already defeated the ‘Toffees’ this season) before another complex away game, against Chelsea, on the 6th. If there is luck, on March 20 they could play the semifinal of the FA Cup. And so on, until April brings duels against Tottenham and Arsenal and other challenges.
The rhythm in England provides this wear and tear and players like James, who at this point understands that rest makes the difference, end up accepting the circumstances. End of discussion.
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