Colombia legend Carlos Valderrama has hit out at Real Madrid over how they have used James Rodriguez in the team this season.
The 2014 World Cup top scorer enjoyed a spectacular opening season at the Santiago Bernabeu and impressed many with his all-action displays and trickery.
But he has found this season tougher and found himself in and out of the team at times meaning he’s struggled to reach the form he did last campaign. Indeed some in the media and among the Madrid fan base have suggested the team’s underwhelming season to date is largely down to James and Isco – who has also failed to produce his best football this season.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Valderrama said he did not get why James has not been used as often or played in his favoured position so he be more effective.
“I do not understand the model of Real Madrid now. When Ancelotti was coaching, there was another model and James was a leading figure,” he said.
And he added: “I do not understand why last year he was good but he does not have the same value this year. The good footballers should always play. James has already demonstrated the great talent that he is after having played in different parts of the world. Real Madrid model this year has not been convenient to him.”
