In every transfer window, several newspapers produce ridiculous headlines that grab the attention of many such readers and that isn’t old now too. One such player who has constantly made headlines and has been linked to Manchester United is none other than Real Madrid’s top playmaker James Rodriguez. The Colombian star who announced himself during the Fifa World Cup 2014 joined Real Madrid that very summer for a whopping £71m.
Statistically speaking, in 40 appearances James has made for Real Madrid, he has scored only 16 goals but has created 107 chances. This is one remarkable statistic that truly points out what the play can do as a playmaker with the ball at his feet. Apart from this James boasts of an average pass length of 17 metres which also indicates that this man can pass not only through the ground but also provide aerial benefit in terms of passing which has been quite a crucial method for Louis Van Gaal’s team which often uses aerial passes to find the likes of Rooney or Fellaini. James also has an average passing accuracy of 87% which is incredible.
A truly gifted player like him is bound to be linked with top clubs and there is no doubt for me that media can do anything to link him with United. While stating this, I also say that there is absolutely no chance James will join United any time soon but I am also interested at how United will line-up if they do get in James somewhere in the near future if not immediately.
How United will lineup after Signing Him (If at all they do)
Throughout his time at Real Madrid, James has played in several positions that is CM, CAM, RM, and AMR. In this season for Real Madrid though, Rodriguez has been mostly successful playing as a Right Attacking Midfielder. In 2 appearances he’s made there, he has scored 2 goals and has provided an assist.
Out of all the statistics, this is one crucial point here. This is the position Manchester United is yet to fill. With Antonio Valencia injured, Luis Nani departed and both Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial playing on the left side of the pitch, Manchester United rely on Juan Mata to fill this void but it hasn’t at all clicked for United who failed to win even a single match in the month of December and also played out several draws which frustrated the fans.
In my opinion, James Rodriguez is most likely to be played on the right-hand side as an attacking midfielder. Louis Van Gaal is adamant on playing two holding midfielders every game and this isn’t likely to be altered with James’s arrival. If James does arrive, one thing is inevitable. Juan Mata or Ander Herrera will surely get less game time so I expect to see Herrera drop out.
Martial will play the left winger role with Juan Mata playing as the Central attacking midfielder behind Rooney. James will be played on the right and he will be expected to drift inside and be involved in the play with Young or Darmian providing over-lapping runs depending on the manager’s choice.
Two holding midfielders, two centre-backs, two fullbacks are expected to feature and with James Rodriguez in the squad, this is how I expect United to line up.