| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | James David Rodríguez Rubio | ||
| Date of birth | 12 July 1991 | ||
| Place of birth | Cúcuta, Colombia | ||
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ||
| Playing position | Attacking midfielder / Winger | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Monaco | ||
| Number | 10 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1995–2007 | Envigado | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2007–2008 | Envigado | 30 | (9) |
| 2008–2010 | Banfield | 42 | (8) |
| 2010–2013 | Porto | 65 | (25) |
| 2013– | Monaco | 14 | (2) |
| National team‡ | |||
| 2007 | Colombia U17 | 11 | (3) |
| 2011 | Colombia U20 | 5 | (3) |
| 2011– | Colombia | 20 | (3) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 3 December 2013.
† Appearances (Goals).
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 19 November 2013 | |||
James David Rodríguez Rubio (born 12 July 1991 in Cúcuta) or simply James is a Colombian footballer who plays for AS Monaco in French Ligue 1.[1]
He is considered to be one of the best young players in the world and within his generation.[2][3][4][5][6][7] Hisplaymaking skills has led many to consider him to be the successor of Colombian legend icon Carlos Valderrama (who has declared him as such) thus being referred as 'El Nuevo Pibe' (the 'new kid' in reference to being the successor of Carlos who was nicknamed 'El Pibe').[8][9] His dribbling, speed, creativity, ball control, and powerful shots has been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo even to the point where he is considered to be his 'South American' counterpart.[8][10][11][12] His talents have been described as 'phenomenal'[13] and acknowledged among many football experts as one of the most talented young prospects in the world.[14][15][16][17][18]
Rodríguez is one of Colombia's most talented young prospects.[18] Succeeding at an early age with various youth clubs, he's contributed to many club victories as well as with the national team. One of his most noticeable moments hinting his successful future, was a famous rare Olympic Goal he scored with his first clubClub Atlético Banfield in the Argentine Primera División at only 16 years of age.[19][20] He was captain of the Colombian-U20 team, leading them to a victory at the 2011 Toulon Tournament where he was voted the best player. He also captained the U-20 team during the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup where his talents were recognized being a crucial part of the new Colombian golden generation. On the senior national level, he impressed contributing to crucial victories making him a regular at only 20 years of age. He scored his first senior national goal against Peru in a 1–0 victory in less than 6 months after his debut.[14]
His prime talents emerged in 2011 where he won the LPFP Award for Breakthrough Player of 2011–12 Primeira Liga season at age 20, while becoming the first Colombian player to do so. He is also a two-time winner of theSJPF Player of the Month. In 2012, Rodriguez was listed 59th in The 100 best footballers in the world by The Guardian.[21] Rodriguez won the Portuguese Golden Ball award in 2012 becoming the second Colombian afterRadamel Falcao to win the award, as well as being the youngest player ever to hold the honor.[22][23][24] The following season, he won the league title for a 3rd consecutive time where he won his 8th overall title in Europe after just 3 seasons for Porto and at just 21 years of age. His move to Monaco required a transfer fee of 45 million euros, making him the second most expensive Colombian player in history as well as the one of the highest in world football.[25][26][27][28][29]
Career
Envigado FC
Rodríguez started his professional football career in 2006 at the time of his Colombian second division club Envigado FC, with whom he made the 2007 ascent.
Club Atlético Banfield
2008
In 2008 he was signed by Argentine team Club Atlético Banfield, where he made his first team debut on 7 February 2009, he scored his first goal for the club on 27 February with a long range strike in a 3–1 victory over Rosario Central.
2009
In 2009 he became a regular first team player featuring in every game of the Apertura 2009. His second goal for Banfield came on 26 September when he scored with a strike into the top corner from outside of the area in an important 2–1 against Newell's Old Boys, a win which helped Banfield to win theArgentine championship for the first time in the history of the club.[30]
In December 2009, Italian club Udinese planned to make a bid for Rodriguez for a reported €5 million following the end of the 2010 Copa Libertadores. However, Banfield rejected the bid as the price was 'insufficient'.[31]
For the Clausura 2010, 13 February 2010, Rodríguez scored a golazo in the match against arch rivals Lanús with a left-footed lob to make the game 2–0 in the final minutes. After the game daily sports website Diario Olé likened his playing and personal style to Cristiano Ronaldo and also nicknamed him the 'James Bond of Banfield'.[32]
2010
Rodríguez added to his glowing reputation with a goal in the Copa Libertadores group game on 17 February 2010, in a demolition of Deportivo Cuenca away from home, he scored the fourth goal of the game with a nice cool finish in the area on his left foot. Banfield thrashed them 4–1.[33] His wonderful scoring season continued with a brace in the Copa Libertadores group game on 10 March 2010, in an away match with Uruguayan giants Club Nacional de Football, Rodríguez scored once with a diving header and again from the penalty spot on his right-foot in the game which ended 2–2.[34] The 18-year-old netted another goal on 29 April 2010, in the second round match of Copa Libertadores 2010 in the first match versus Brazilian giants Internacional which Banfield won 3–1.[35] bringing his tally to 5 goals in 7 games but the international season ended in defeat as his team went down on away goals losing 2–0 in Porto Alegre in a game which Rodríguez was also red carded for two fouls.[36]
F.C. Porto
2010–11 season
On 6 July 2010 Rodríguez was signed by F.C. Porto for €5.1 million, with 30% economic rights retained by other parties. He signed a 4-year contract with a €30M release clause.[37] Porto later re-sold 10% economic rights to third parties.[38] On 18 July he played his first game and scored his first goal in a friendly against Ajax.[39] In November Porto sold 35% economic rights (half of 70%) to Gol Football Luxembourg, S.A.R.L. for €2.5 million.[40]
On 15 December 2010, Rodríguez scored his first goal in European Football in a 3–1 home victory for Porto against CSKA Sofia[41]
Rodríguez also scored a hat-trick in Portuguese Cup Final against Vitória de Guimarães in a 6–2 win of Porto, while also assisting 1 goal in the same game. On 17 May Porto bought the remaining 30% economic rights from Convergence Capital Partners B.V. for €2,250,000, made Porto once again held more than half of the economic rights of 55%.[42] On 13 June he signed a new 5-year contract and the release clause had increased to €45 million.[43] In just 24 appearances, he scored 6 goals and 8 assists also playing a part in the Europa league.[44]
2011–12 season
For the 2011–12 season, he scored 14 goals for Porto and delivered 11 assists.
2012–13 season
In the 2012–13 season, Rodriguez's talents stood out more as he became a regular starter. Given the number 10 shirt, he became more crucial in roles leading to Porto's victories. Particularly, with Radamel Falcao, Fredy Guarin and Hulk leaving the club within the last two seasons, Rodriguez was able to start more matches than any other season he had previously with Porto. In a match against Olhanense, Rodriguez chipped an amazing goal outside the box at a tight angle. In the same game, he assisted fellow country man Jackson Martinez with an impressive through ball to an eventual 3–2 win. Rodriguez scored another goal against Beira-Mar, not before assisting the first two goals all ending in a crushing 4–0 victory. Rodriguez assisted a goal with a free kick rebound in an away game against Rio Ave, that eventually ended at 2–2. During the match, he struck a thunderous shot that hit the crossbar nearly going in.[45]
In the 2012–13 UEFA Champions League group stage, he scored against France giants Paris Saint-Germain in a 1–0 victory allowing them to top their current group.[46] A few days later, James Rodriguez scored a penalty against rivals Sporting CP. In just the first month of the 2012–13 season, James had won theSJPF Player of the Month award for his impressive feat.[47][48][49] In the third round of the group stage during the 2012–13 champions league, he assisted a goal to an eventual 3–2 victory. James assisted another goal against Estoril in a 2–1 victory.
In a 5–0 crushing of Maritimo, Rodriguez scored a brace of two goals. Rodriguez scored another goal, this time, against Academica Coimbra. In the Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb, Rodriguez had set up all plays leading to all 3 goals in a 3–0 despite not directly assisting the goals themselves. In the 90th minute against Sporting Braga, Rodriguez scored a game-winning goal that ended 2–0. Against Moreirense, he assisted a goal from the corner to fellow country man Jackson Martínez.
Prior to the opening of the second half of the season, Rodriguez suffered a hamstring injury causing him to struggle in maintaining fitness. This led him to being subbed after the first half in a match against CD Nacional where he injured his hamstring once more. It was later reported that he could possibly be out for at least 1 month.[50][51] On 1 February 2013, Porto also bought back 30% economic rights of Rodríguez from Gol Football Luxembourg for €8.57 million,[52](by selling 47.5% economic rights of Diego Antonio Reyes for €3.5 million[53]) which Porto sold 35% of Rodriguez in November 2010 to Gol Football for €2.5 million.
Rodriguez made his return after being subbed in at the 70th minute of a 2–0 victory over Beira Mar. His first match after being injured for more than a month. In the first leg of the Champions League 32 round against Malaga, Rodriguez was subbed in late once again in the 60th minute. Despite not changing the 1–0 victory score, Rodriguez noticeably became a big game changing factor in Porto's attack despite his current fitness.[54] On his second league match since his return, James assisted a goal with a wonderful cross against Rio Ave. Soon afterwards in his next league match, he assisted a goal against Gd estoril praia from the corner in a 2–0 victory.[55] It was also noted that it was Rodriguez's first start in 2 months.[56] Rodriguez didn't get to start in the second leg of the 2012–13 Champions League match against Malaga until the second half where Porto where then down to 10 men after a red card by a defender. Porto lost the match later and Vitor Pereira was greatly criticized and questioned on why he didn't start sooner considering that he was an important key member where Porto could have a more solid team. Rodriguez expressed his disappointment, claming to be '100%' in fitness (as well as giving a wonderful standout performance with no struggles shown). However he also expressed his respect and understanding for the coach's concern.[57][58][59][60] Despite an exit in the champions league, interestingly James went on to become the 2nd most fouled player in the tournament of the 2012–13 season.[61]
Rodriguez scored a goal in a 1–1 tie against CS Maritimo. Manchester United reportedly made a bid for 30 million euros to purchase Rodriguez, but it was rejected by Porto for the offer was considered to be 'too low'.[62][63][64] Rodriguez made his 2012–13 edition debut for the 2012–13 Taça da Liga where he scored a penalty in the semi-finals. Porto won the match 4–0 and advance to the finals. Rodriguez gave a man of the match performance against Sporting Braga, scoring the first goal in an impressive 'wonder goal distance', and assisting two, one from the field and one from the corner in a 3–1 victory.[65]Rodriguez assisted one of the goals in a 2–0 victory over Vitória de Setúbal. Rodriguez scored the opening goal in a 3–1 victory over C.D. Nacional.
In the final match of the season against Pacos Ferreira, Rodriguez helped assure that Porto would win its 3rd consecutive league title after being tripped inside the box and securing a penalty that was later scored thus providing the assist.[66][67] He finished the season scoring 10 goals and providing 13 assists in just 24 appearances, his highest ratio in providing goals (scoring and assisting them) in a single season to date. In general, he scored 13 goals and provided 15 assists within 32 appearances in all competitions for Porto of the 2012–13 season. Winning the league title meant that James Rodriguez won his 8th trophy since joining Porto in 2009, just after 3 seasons spent in Europe and at only 21 years of age. Rodriguez went on to say that he was content with what he had achieved with Porto and would like to move into another 'big club' to seek a new challenge for himself.
Monaco
On 24 May 2013, it was announced that Rodríguez had joined French side AS Monaco for a transfer fee of €45,000,000, thus making it the second most expensive transfer in Portuguese football, behind former teammate Hulk. He signed a five-year contract keeping him at the club until 2018.[68] This made him not only one of the most expensive transfers in the club's history, but in Ligue 1 history as well, along as the one of the highest in world football.[25]
2013-14 season
Rodriguez made his Ligue 1 debut against Bordeaux, a game Monaco went on to win 2-0. He then missed Monaco's second league match in order to avoid a possible injury.[69] James Rodriguez finally made his first direct contribute for AS Monaco as he assisted the first goal in a 3-0 victory against SC Bastia, while setting up plays for the other two goals.[70] Against Saint Etienne in the following week, Rodriguez continued on with his excellent playmaking form, giving a man of the match performance where he assisted both goals in a 2-1 victory.[71][72] Following the international break, James assisted the first goal in a 2-2 draw against Sochaux.[73]
James assisted the only goal for Monaco in a 1-1 draw against Evian Thonon Gaillard F.C..[74] James finally scored his first goal for the club with an impressive free-kick in a 2-0 win over Rennes.[75] James scored yet another goal in the very next match within the 4th minute against OGC Nice, where Monaco won 0-3.[76]
International career
Youth
In 2007 Rodríguez was part of the Colombia U-17 team that finished runners-up in the South American Under-17 championships where he scored 3 goals. He also played a part helping Colombia advance to the knockout stages during the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where they eventually lost to the winners of the tournament Nigeria.
He was also part of the U-20 Colombia squad in 3 youth tournaments during 2011: the Toulon Tournament, the South American U-20 Championship and the2011 U-20 World Cup that was held in his homeland Colombia.
James Rodriguez scored 2 goals and provided 3 assists during the 2011 Toulon Tournament. This led him to being voted as the MVP of the tournament where Colombia won in the finals against France in penalties. Rodriguez scored one of the penalties that allowed Colombia to win the Tournament.
During the 2011 South American U-20 Championship, he provided 3 assists throughout the tournament. During the 2011 U-20 World Cup, he was named captain of the U20 squad due to his impressive leadership role and talented experience during his time in his club F.C. Porto. During the cup, he scored 3 goals and provided 3 assists and gained international attention as a promising aspect that eventually led many to consider him to be a cruical key member of the Colombian senior squad. Despite Colombia losing in the quarter finals against Mexico, James Rodriguez noticeably gained attention from many big clubs in Europe. He also received praised from Sir Alex Ferguson, who was scouting him at the time since mid-2010.
Senior
2014 World Cup qualification and friendlies
On 29 September 2011, Rodríguez received his first call-up to the Colombian senior side, for a match scheduled to be played against Bolivia on 11 October 2011.[77] He was selected as the man of match, having made an impressive performance including the initiation of the goal scored in the last minute by his former Porto teammate Radamel Falcao, which allowed a 1–2 win for Colombia. Under the new management of Jose Pekerman, he played a crucial part in setting up both goals in a 2–0 victory over Mexico. He scored his first goal for Colombia against Peru. Colombia went on to win the match boosting its place in the World Cup qualifying table from 6th to 5th.
In the world cup qualifying match against Uruguay, Rodríguez assisted two goals in a row from a 1–0 winning start, to a 3–0 winning game that eventually ended 4–0. Rodriguez made a stunning goal from a 30-yard free kick against Chile leveling the game to an eventual 3–1 away victory boosting Colombia to a 2nd place position in the qualifying stages. In the match against Paraguay, Rodriguez had set up the plays leading towards both goals in a 2-0 victory. For the last international friendly of the year for Colombia, James assisted the sole goal allowing Colombia to tie with 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil 1–1.
Rodriguez played his first match of 2013 in the opening second half of the CONMEBOL qualifiers against Bolivia where he gave a man of the match performance. He helped set up the second goal thanks to a free kick that he took. The game ended to an eventual 5–0 victory.[78]
Playing against South American leaders Argentina, James suffered an injury in the 30th minute, forcing him to be substituted. While the injury was not serious, James was rested where he missed the game against Peru days later. James made a good comeback where he scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Ecuador during the final stages of the world cup qualifiers. In a tough match against Chile, Rodriguez drew both penalties that equalized Colombia from a 1-3 and into a 3-3. This allowed Colombia to return to the world cup for the first time in 16 years. Days later, James provided the assist for the first goal with a free-kick while setting up the second in a 1-2 away victory over Paraguay.
2014 World Cup and Pre-friendlies
James continued on his play-making form by assisting the first goal and setting up the second against Belgium in a 0-2 victory. He was later voted man of the match.[79] A few days later, James was praised once more as a man of the match in a tough 0-0 duel against the Netherlands.[80]
Playing style
Rodríguez adapts a strong playmaker role in both club and national teams. Like his predecessor Carlos Valderrama, Rodríguez plays a selfless style of passes and assists contributing to most goals at each club he's played for as well as the Colombian national side. While he plays selflessly most of the time, he can be selfish when needed, taking chances to score goals. Rodríguez is known to be mentally sharp, predicting certain plays, and also possesses very good reactions which allows him to keep control of the ball and making him more likely to be fouled. While left footed, he's able to control the ball just as well with his right foot. Like Valderrama, he rarely needs to move regardless of distance and/or direction when shooting passes. His accuracy is known to be very sharp as he's been shown to have successful long passes on equals with his short passes.[22][85][86]Widely considered to be one of the craftiest young talents around, Rodriguez can play anywhere from a midfield position to a winger position. He's able to switch from either a left to a right side position as well as a center, making him a very versatile player. Most of his key attributes surround his technical abilities as an extremely balanced player, relying on precise mental sharpness over strength and speed, despite having high stats with said attributes. Rodriguez invests his training towards becoming as 'balanced' as possible.[82][83][84]
Rodriguez's creativity has been his most noticeable trait; throughout most of the matches that he plays both club and nation, if not all, Rodriguez stands out often due to his impressive plays as well as his accurate passing. His overall talent has at times led him to be considered a player who can be a match changer. Sir Alex Ferguson has often pointed out his admiration for this trait (which led him to compare to Cristiano Ronaldo). At one point Rodriguez was considered to be worth around 45 million euros due to his potential at age 20,[84][92][93][94][95] which was met with AS Monaco in 2013. Following Porto's league title during the 2012–13, meant that James Rodriguez won his 8th trophy since joining Porto in 2009, just after 3 seasons spent in Europe and at only 21 years of age. More than often, Rodriguez is overshadowed in football media as other talented figures, (within his age and generation) such as Eden Hazard,Mario Gotze, and Neymar, play in more popular mainstream leagues compared to PortugalRodriguez's comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo has been based on his mirrored style; like Ronaldo, Rodriguez is able to dribble fantastically with his head held up high. He also carries the strong trait of Ronaldo's speed and reactions with ball controlling whether moving with the ball or passing it for certain plays. This has also allowed Rodriguez a balance of goal scoring as well, despite committing to an out and out playmaker role. He is even a talented free kick specialist; having scored goals with free kicks as well.[84][88][89][90][91]
