The James Rodriguez Effect

The new signings actually make the midfield reminiscent, in some respects, to the best midfield we've ever had to date, the Holy Trinity in the late 60s. Not only effective and strong, but also stylish and entertaining.

Your article is pretty optimistic. I am a pretty much a glass empty type of guy. In fact, I really do not enjoy us being so slick and exciting. It just makes me fret about the disappointment ahead. I guess I am a proper blue. In fact, I am some way from ruling out a relegation battle.
Yes, I know, I was quite a catch for my missus.

I see myself as quite a realist, but I can't help but feel optimistic about the season based on how well we've started. I completely agree that we have take everything with a pinch of salt as an Everton fan, however the things that have happened over the last few days has lit a fire inside a lot of fans I think. This article just kind of summarises all the positive vibes about the club at the moment, which is definitely catalysed by James in my opinion.

But James, he plays unlike any other player in the league. The only comparable player for me is de Bruyne.

In a time of gegenpress, of super fit players who run half a marathon every game, of strength, running, power, speed being the attributes most described - James comes in as the complete opposite. He doesn't run, but when he has the ball, it's as if he's able to slow time. He finds space where no-one sees, his passing is something to behold - you could watch him make 5 yard passes and he'd make it magical. His touch is just marvellous, and yes, he doesn't run, but he doesn't need to.

His style of play has surprised people, because it seemed that a player of his type couldn't compete in the modern game - Ozil is the easy comparison here. But people are amazed, and by most of what I've seen, people are impressed and delighted at seeing James strut his stuff.

How much of a success can he be? Can he last the whole season? Will clubs learn to close him down and cut him out? We don't know yet. But I know that it will be delightful to discover.

Never change, Andy :-)

I really do not enjoy us being so slick and exciting. It just makes me fret about the disappointment ahead.

My thoughts exactly we're on the crest of a wave just now but the stand out quality of Rodriquez highlights the void in quality in most other positions. Be amazed if such a dependence on one or two players doesn't catch up with us

Who knows where it will take us? But so far it's been a blast, and I am looking forward to every occasion we can see him in an Everton shirt.

Andy #2, your father-in-law was a shrewd man!

He's seconds ahead of the play mentally. A very clever footballer. Watching him in the past, he isn't a "Put a shift in" runner but he can (or could) accelerate and cover the first yards very quickly when needed. Hard to know if injuries have affected this. His fitness will improve over the next month, which will make things even worse for opponents.

I'm more concerned about rough stuff than anything else, though he knows which way the wind blows in that department.

I think we all need to hear that one.,"...of the incident when I became trapped in his bathroom with a skirting board attached with liquid nails to my back."

I think we all need to hear that one.,,,1,22:58:48,,80.3.202.204,ok,19747,09/29/2020 22:58:48,Overdrive,reader,,,no 1097623,39967,toffeeweb,29/09/2020,Mike Gaynes,,"Carl #100, "What games have people been watching?"

Wolves on Sunday. If that was Hammers being "appalling" I'd hate to see 'em when they're good.

No, I'm not worried about Rice. Bowen, however.....

COYB Andy.. we are in for a great season

If he stays fit, and we can shift some trash and buy more quality in the next week I will be satisfied that Ancelotti means business.

We cannot get too carried away after three league games. There is loads of work to be done, we will our need squad players to step up to the mark to maintain any top four hopes. We will need a couple more strategic signings before the deadline too.

We have to put a lid on the premature celebrations. It will only be counterproductive. A winning rhythm has to be found, a system that can be repeated successfully.

The stars have aligned to achieve all this, with our three midfield signings in unison, all fantastic at what they do, and all deployed playing to their strengths. There is no wasted energy, they are told by Carlo Ancelotti, just to go out there and show their quality. They understand their roles and execute to perfection.

The article is about James Rodriguez, he brings two major things, his supreme world class talent which destroys even the most organised defences with one unique pass.
Secondly, a player of James's standard inspires other players to raise their game.

Our forwards have benefitted as they need to be switched on 100% of the time and constantly move and make runs, because James Rodriguez can find them with a pass at any point in time. He can pick up a ball with his back to goal at the half way line with a couple of midfielders surrounding him. In a flash he can put it on a plate for Richarlison 7 yards out.

To be able to do that is rare and special, it turns us into top four challengers given luck with fitness and a couple of squad strengthening signings.

If we can add more signings for next season of similar quality, then I think we'll actually be on to something, but we need to be playing European football to keep the better players we have now. I know we all say this every season, but this one really is the most important season in recent memory!

In my late teens Everton had Alex Young, I'm sure Vernon and Collins, Kay and Wilson were better players, but Young is my favourite ever Everton player. Similarly I loved watching Duncan McKenzie a decade or so later. Such players capture the imagination.

For Evertonians, perhaps since Rooney's first graced us, there haven't been such players. Younger supporters have got someone to idolise for the first time in a generation.

I am delighted with what I've seen so far and rank him among these great entertainers though it is early days.

A very different kind of ability altogether from James, but did he ever hit the ground running. The excitement was justified 'cos the man simply delivered. Great to have players like this at the time, combined with home-developed players like Gary Jones and Mick Buckley.

For "Watchability" though - McKenzie was fantastic, all magic. They don't come along so often.

So far his pace (or lack of) has not mattered one jot. He's not been injured and has made a difference every time on the pitch. And he didn't cost anything and even his wages and contract are reasonable!

I hope he continues to prove me wrong and hopefully his influence will only grow as he plays more matches and gets fitter. If he manages to stay fit all season he will make a huge contribution to how high we finish up the table.

Same as Carlo

What has really impressed me about James is his strength and ability to hold off opposition players and shield the ball. Countless times I have seen players just back off him after they get turned inside out and get the message that the only way to get the ball off him is to foul.

James is a player I think can play at the top level well into his late 30's. He doesn't rely on pace and his skill won't desert him, a bit like Pirlo in his later years.