James Rodríguez with a quick free kick through ball to Luis Diaz, as Colombia routed Panama 5-0. Rodríguez now has 5 assists through 4 games for Colombia in the 2024 Copa America.
What stands out about Rodríguez is how he can hold on to the ball when he’s being pressured by multiple defenders and then play a killer pass. Like most soccer greats, he almost invites pressure and tries to draw defenders to him and then plays a through ball to a now open teammate.
If you want to learn how to shield and protect the soccer ball, watch James Rodríguez.
Just a brilliant recognition by Rodríguez to see Diaz and chip the ball to him. While most of the Panama players are complaining to the referee, Rodríguez plays a perfect pass to Diaz. The quick restart by Rodríguez catches everyone but Diaz off guard.
Another look at that PERFECT ball from James Rodríguez to set up the third goal 🎯
James Rodríguez now has 5 assists through 4 games for Colombia 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OjZrJwBPCU
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 6, 2024
The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich player is undergoing a sort of a resurgence. People maybe forget the big clubs he played for. I imagine a lot of leagues around the world are looking to sign him.
Although he’s not young anymore, at 32 years old still has a few more years of high level soccer in him.
Moreover, his run so far in the Copa America has shown his soccer brain is still at peak levels. He’d add a lot of soccer IQ, vision, and cleverness to any side.
Of course the MLS would seem like a league we’re he fits the most. The right MLS team signing Rodríguez might even rival the popularity of Lionel Messi. In terms of fans at the Copa America the yellow of Colombia in the stands has almost topped the yellow of Brazil. those Colombian fans would come out to watch Rodriguez.
Furthermore, any MLS club that signs Rodríguez would help their young players learn a ton from a master of the game.
Again, Rodriguez with exceptional awareness and quick thinking for Colombia’s third goal. As soon as Luis Diaz made it like he was going to run towards goal Rodriguez found him. Diaz finishes the ball brilliantly too, putting the ball up and over the on rushing Panamanian keeper Orlando Mosquera.
Finally, Colombia as a team is relentless. Could they win the 2024 Copa America tournament this year? They have a tough game coming up against Uruguay in the semi-finals, which will be a battle, and then most likely face Argentina, but with James Rodriguez playing like this, it is certainly possible.
