James Rodriguez is keen to reunited with Carlo Ancelotti at Everton (Getty Images)
While speaking to DeportesRCN.com via HITC (h/t Football.London) Colombia legend Tino Asprilla has tipped James Rodriguez to choose Arsenal over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Rodriguez, who currently plies his trade with Real Madrid, is a forgotten man at the Spanish side. The attacking midfielder has fallen down the pecking order under Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane and is craving for some game time.
So far, he has made just 7 appearances for the Galacticos this season. The 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner has had a slow decline in his career since his exploits at the mega world event.
He recently returned to the Spanish capital at the beginning of the season after a rather underwhelming two-year loan spell at German giants Bayern Munich.
Rodriguez, who is surplus to requirements at Real Madrid, is being closely linked with Premier League side Wolves. They believe that their close association with his agent Jorge Mendes would help them land the 28-year-old midfielder this coming summer.
However, Rodriguez’s fellow countryman and legend Aspirilla thinks otherwise. The former Newcastle United striker is of the opinion that a talent such as James should be aiming for a more high-profile destination such as Arsenal rather than Wolves.
Aspirilla’s take on Wolves seems a little too far-fetched given their dominant display in the league this season. They are three points ahead of Arsenal and are in sixth place at the moment.
Still, Aspirilla’s opinion could not be undermined as Arsenal are still one of the top teams in the Premier League with a history to back them up. Moreover, Wolves at the moment have a strong midfield combination in Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho.
Both the players play a little deeper in the middle and are comfortable functioning from that position. Also, they have been successful enough for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, which has seen them put up their best ever display in the English top-flight.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have not had the best of the seasons this time after a string of poor results at the start of the campaign. However, new coach Mikel Arteta’s arrival has brought in some consistency to a side that looked like a mere shadow of its former self.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez is comfortable operating as an attacking midfielder – the classic No.10 role which is currently veteran Mesut Ozil’s position in the current Gunners line-up.
However, Ozil’s game has changed a lot over the years and he looks way past his prime. His mere numbers are testimony to that fact. The seasoned German campaigner has so far managed just one goal and two assists from the 18 league games that he has played this season.
Also, he is 31 now and cannot be any younger. Arteta, a former Gunner himself, has adopted a 4-2-3-1 format that deploys an attacking midfielder with just one outright striker up front.
Unlike Ozil, Rodriguez has an excellent right foot and a keen eye for goal. His mesmerising goal against Uruguay in the 2014 World Cup is a testament to his striking abilities. Thus, in Rodriguez, not only will Arsenal have a creative midfielder but somebody who can win them matches by scoring goals.
Having played the attacking midfielder’s role to perfection for his national side and Monaco earlier, Rodriguez is a perfect fit at Arsenal if they wish to improve their performances next season. Moreover, the Gunners do not have any other attacking midfielder other than Ozil in their side, which makes the Colombian an even worthier candidate.
Hence, Rodriguez should pay heed to Aspirilla’s suggestions and chose Arsenal which looks like a match made in heaven for the Colombian.
