Foot Mercato has recently reported that Everton outcast James Rodriguez is gathering interest from Turkey as Istanbul Basaksehir want to sign him on loan before the end of the Turkish transfer window. It is understood that the Turkish giants are eyeing a loan move for the Colombian playmaker, who is not part of Rafael Benitez’s plans for this campaign.
Rodriguez’s Impressive Form At Merseyside Last Season
Rodriguez had a decent debut campaign at Goodison Park as he managed to catch the eye by putting in a handful of fruitful performances as a key member of Everton’s attack. The Colombia international took part in 26 matches for the Toffees last season, finding the back of the net on six occasions and providing nine assists in multiple competitions.
The South American sensation deserves a lot of credit for averaging 1.2 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, 1.6 shots, 1.7 key passes, 0.7 crosses and 1.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the 2020-21 Premier League campaign. He was quite tidy with his ball distribution as well after completing 83.3% of his attempted passes in the English top-flight (stats via whoscored).
However, Rodriguez has fallen out of favour with Everton’s new manager, Rafael Benitez, so it makes a lot of sense for both the player and the Merseyside club to part ways with each other in search of pastures new in the coming seasons.
Should The Toffees Let Rodriguez Leave This Month?
Rodriguez has a low work rate but is a technically gifted footballer who can create chances out of nothing. He has got the vision to unlock the opponent’s defence with a killer pass in the attacking end of the pitch.
The experienced Colombia international can keep the ball moving in tight spaces and is proficient at completing some eye-catching dribbles in the opposition half. He can also contribute by bagging his fair share of goals and assists in the final third.
However, Rodriguez is not guaranteed a regular starting spot in Benitez’s first XI. Therefore, it is only logical for the former Real Madrid star to leave the Toffees so that he can get his career back on track by earning regular game time in top-flight football.
At 30, the Colombian has only got a few good years left in his locker. Plus, the Toffees can lower their wage bill by letting him go which is why Benitez should consider sanctioning his departure even if it is only a loan deal to Istanbul Basaksehir before the end of the Turkish transfer window.
