In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo stated that Everton playmaker James Rodriguez is on AC Milan’s radar this summer. It is believed that the Toffees winger is one of the options the Milan giants are looking at during this summer transfer window (via Mundo Deportivo).
Rodriguez’s Solid Debut Season In English Football
Rodriguez impressed in patches at Goodison Park last season when he managed to put in a handful of impressive displays for the Merseyside outfit down the right flank. However, he missed a lot of key games because of a calf injury. The Colombia international found the back of the net on six occasions and earned nine assists in 26 matches for Everton in the previous campaign across all competitions.
When fit and firing on all cylinders, the 30-year-old was a joy to watch as he averaged 1.6 shots, 1.7 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He was even tidy when distributing possession in the opponent’s half after making 83.3% of his attempted passes in the English top-flight (stats via whoscored).
Rodriguez is under contract at the Merseyside club until the end of next season, so Rafael Benitez will have no choice but to consider cashing in on him this summer or else risk losing him as a free agent next year.
Should The Toffees Let Rodriguez Go This Summer?
Rodriguez has excellent technique, ball control and dribbling ability to cause a lot of headaches for the opposition in the final third. He is proficient at keeping possession moving without breaking a sweat and can create chances out of nothing for his teammates up top.
The 80-time Colombian also packs a lot of venom with his shots from close range and can even pick his spot by curving the ball into the net when afforded time and space by the opposition. However, he is an injury-prone playmaker who has a low work rate off the ball which can sometimes make him a liability on the pitch.
Hence, it makes sense for the Toffees to let Rodriguez go this summer as he won’t be a long-term fix to their goal-scoring problems. Benitez should consider cashing in on the South American talent and use the money generated from his potential sale to bring in a suitable replacement capable of helping his team challenge for a top-six finish in the Premier League next season.
