Real Madrid have come to an agreement to sign Colombian World Cup wonderkid James Rodriguez for £80 million.
Since our main demographic on this site is from the USA – We are talking LeBron money for a 23 year old kid who has really only just made his mark.
After a sizzling performance throughout the 2014 World Cup in Brazil it seemed like everyone was lining up a bid for the wonder kid even if they didn’t need a left footed midfielder.
Veteran fans of the roundball game knew as soon as that the kid chested that ball and hit it on the volley into the back of the net, there were only two likely places he was going to go, And yes… Both are in Spain. (Barcelona and Real Madrid for those who still don’t get the hint)
James has said to be the generational replacement for legendary Carlos Alberto Valderrama (who used to play in the MLS for Colorado Rapids up until 2002) who was named in 2004 as a member of Pele’s FIFA 100 greatest footballers of all time, So for James to be in this league is impressive in its own right!
James himself came out and said quite soon after the Colombia’s World cup hopes fell victim to the stunning free kick from Brazil’s David Luiz that “I would go to Madrid with my eyes closed… Madrid is Madrid. I have always liked them.”
James has had 223 professional club appearances and scored 61 goals and handed off 37 assists. While in his bright yellow Colombian jersey he has appeared 27 times and netted an impressive 11 goals!
While these stats are impressive, while his form is white hot right now…Do Real need him? Do they have a place for him amongst the Who’s Who of superstars which makes up the Real Madrid squad who are about to embark on defending their UEFA Champions League title? And is he worth $100 million?
It’s truly a gamble banking so much money on a promising young player. While James is a quality player with amazing skill, vision and motivation, Career ending injuries are easy to come by, Form is easy to lose and unless you are on top of many many factors, that shine can easily fade.
In saying that I really hope James delivers, because for the football (soccer) fans around the world, this can only push others to be better, faster, stronger and make for exciting games.
Just look at the Brazilian 2014 World Cup, Close competition, no breakaway standout teams. And these are all the reasons why the 2014 World Cup was the best EVER!