Former Colombia goalkeeper Rene Higuita says current Real Madrid star James Rodriguez needs a rest after putting in some subdued performances in the Copa America.
The 23-year-old starred at last summer’s World Cup in Brazil, finishing the tournament as top scorer with six goals and grabbing the goal of the tournament with a supreme effort against Uruguay.
In the Copa America, it’s been a different story, with James failing to find the net so far as his nation reached the quarter finals. Ahead of their game against Argentina, Higuita said James looked exhausted after a long campaign for his club.
Speaking to reporters, the man famous for his scorpion kick save, said: “A player also needs a rest, and he has not had one, so he is more tired. That is my opinion, I do not know what James thinks. We are not machines and the players at European clubs have not had a break. The fans do not understand that.”
James joined Real from Monaco last summer in an 80-million-euro deal. He played 44 times for Los Blancos, establishing himself as a key man in the side. He helped Real win the European Super Cup and World Club Cup in his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Higuita is right. After James came back from his broken foot injury, he was the strongest and most effective player at RM. The enforced rest did make all the difference. He barely has a week before reporting back in Madrid for pre-season training and tour. He needs at least 3 weeks completely away from football.