James Rodriguez signed for Minnesota United with the intention of getting minutes to get fit for the World Cup with Colombia, something that clearly has not been able to materialize. In seven games, the former Real Madrid player has accumulated 39 minutes in MLS. A very poor record, conditioned by different circumstances that have prevented a high-profile signing like his from being justified on the pitch.
After missing the debut against Austin due to paperwork issues, James was a substitute against Cincinnati by technical decision of Cameron Knowles. In the third matchday, the Colombian star was absent against Nashville due to a contusion and his debut was delayed until the fourth matchday, with 26 minutes of participation in Minnesota’s embarrassing thrashing of Vancouver Whitecaps (6-0). In the following match, the coach gave him 13 minutes against Seattle, amid rumors about whether he really counts on him or if it is a convenience signing for the franchise, since the coach had not asked for him.
During the international break, James Rodriguez suffered severe dehydration due to a stomach virus that forced him to stop to recover, after spending three days in a hospital in Minnesota. He was absent against the Galaxy and his absence was prolonged this weekend against San Diego, after uncertainty remained over his presence in the team during the last few hours. Finally, the Colombian was not even on the bench, despite the fact that he was part of his team’s squad for the 2-1 away win. Minnesota is ninth in the Western Conference, with 11 points from seven games.
James Rodriguez's calendar towards the World Cup
James Rodriguez has only nine games ahead of him to be able to accumulate minutes before the two-month break in MLS for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. This coming Wednesday, April 14, Minnesota United will face Sacramento Republic in the US Open Cup, with the question of whether the Colombian will be fully recovered to play. It seems an ideal opportunity to return to the team and try to get a rhythm of competition that he has never had in the USA.
After that duel, there will be eight MLS rounds to go to get a good feeling, avoid physical problems and for Nestor Lorenzo to be able to count on him in more or less optimal conditions for the World Cup. The coach has made it clear that he is counting on James Rodriguez, even though his current footballing situation is far from the top level. But that determined gamble is beginning to crumble without minutes.
Criticism and concern in Colombia
In Colombia, criticism of the veteran star's situation has not been long in coming, and some of it is weighty. A national team legend such as "El Patron" Bermudez was blunt: “I can’t play, kill my eyelashes and break my legs to throw the ball to a player who can’t run and has nothing to do with it. You can play for a player when the player is Messi. Of course you can. But I can’t play for a player who can’t run,” he said. “James doesn't run, he doesn't score. Five months without playing is paid for, it's paid for. He is a piece that throws everyone else out of order,” he said.
