The incredible return of James Rodríguez

[@austinedeclan10]

James and Falcao at Porto under AVB were lethal. I wish Falcao wasn't injured at Monaco during the 2014 World Cup. Colombia was cooking something special that year with Juan Cuadrardo at Fiorentina also balling like you wouldn't believe.

[@Dotsetc]

James, Falcao and Hulk and later Falcao replaced with Jackson Martinez who also scored 30 lol. Loved those Porto years as a supporter. Porto was utterly dominant and the 2000 till about 2014 period was one of the strongest in Porto history

[@r.i.psteez929]

Ospina, Zuniga, Yepes, Carlos Sanchez, Fredy Guarin, James, Cuadrado, that team was class

[@chopsnz88]

James Rodriguez has been Player of the Tournament for Copa America. So great to see him with the freedom as a 10 to be at his best as a playmaker. His movement, decisive passes and crossing have all been exceptional. Also the pride and love he feels for his country and the people of Colombia helps to raise his performance to another level, much higher than he could ever achieve at club level. Mucha suerte Colombia por el final de la Copa America! 🇨🇴

[@sadmanadib8536]

what do you think about argentina facing you guys in the final?

[@Alber6959]

​@@sadmanadib8536 Many of us, pundits, commentators all across Central and South America knew that the champion would be Argentina, there is a Mafia between CONMEBOL and FIFA that every time the name MESSY is pronounced and written, they are making millions, so they wanted MESSY to win everything, Copa America , World Cup, Ballon de Oro, ete etc, Sooooo we knew our destiny before our eyes....there is a scandalous right now, most all Central and South American countries are protesting for penalty no given to Colombian team.

[@errol1935]

Old school playmakers are some of my favourite players ever. Riquelme being at the top of that list. We don’t see players like that much anymore. Pep/system ball has stifled a lot of individual creativity. But I think we’re seeing now that creativity is what makes football magical, instead of a game of chess. Give me Jay-Jay Okchoa , Totti, Aimar, Seedorf etc over system ball any day of the week

[@Dotsetc]

To be fair Seedorf was more than just a 10. Played most his career as a box to box and is one of the most complete players ever. Kinda like calling Bellingham a 10 whereas no matter whatever position you'd play him at, he's box to box. Seedorf was more so a roaming playmaker like Zidane who both obviously could easily play the number 10 and did throughout games whenever they had the ball in the opponents half.

[@rb46692]

Solutions are always there to be found, and solutions for City are definitely not just tactical or due to a system. Watching now, City is priced out of some of the next-gen maestros to replicate what they had in their massive spending come up (eg Wirtz now), so they are admittedly a bit more blunted at this current phase in the project, with the unbridled playmaking falling mostly to KDB and some to Foden and Rodri -- who has just had to increasingly become the everything man for City. However, watch Gundogan his last three seasons at City, and there's no possible way to continue to equate his impactful play just to a "system." KDB, Mahrez, Foden too -- they're not nearly as limited as this critique suggests. Pep demands that they don't lose the ball in bad spots and that the team is ALWAYS in every moment aware of transition, which requires positional awareness at all times and set points to simplify ways of collectively reading the game, but he also supports his players in learning how to see and read the game better, and the ones with the apex ability to do so, thrive the most and bring the most delight.

[@errol1935]

@@rb46692 I hear all your points about Foden, Mahrez, and particularly Gundogan (a player I really like) but I’ve watched a lot of City and they put me to sleep I can’t lie. Doku has been a breath of fresh air as he actually takes people on, instead going forward a few yards and then passing it backwards all the time. Pep has revolutionised the game no doubt, and at times it’s brilliant to watch. But I still like the old magicians like Ronaldinho et al a lot more. But that’s a personal, stylistic choice. Musiala, Wirtz, and Guler are all exciting young, creative players. Wirtz was exceptional being played just off of a striker (alongside another 10) for Leverkusen. Musiala can dribble past anyone. We need more of these kind of players

[@user-zc2sz1os3j]

💯

[@benjaminheering7236]

@@errol1935 kinda weird to me that germany has probably 2 of the most "magic" players right now. When, traditionally, they were far more tactical and efficiency. Like the players most people associate germany with are Lahm, Klose, Schweinstieger, Beckenbauer, all ofcourse brilliant, but not considered particularly creativ or indeed "magical".

[@flyingaviator8158]

I LOVE your videos mate, Im watching them since your first Barca Videos. However, they are becoming shorter and shorter. I can't help but feel like the good stuff is behind a paywall. The fact that someone is shining a spotlight on James Rodriguez while most Europeans are watching their national teams is amazing.

[@blazee132]

Me too

[@thepurist_]

So glad you enjoy the videos. I create as much as possible but understand you wanting more! I do my best :)

[@jesusvega4366]

Back then more ads cut off was at 10 min that’s why you see more of 8 min vids now

[@Trihurt11]

@@jesusvega4366only proves its about money/ads rather than giving us a full video

[@trolltracker]

​@@Trihurt11 lmao grow up. Entitled much?

[@1992zorro]

One little know fact: Colombia's coach Lorenzo told James in Qatar "Do you want to go with an untouchable Legacy and the eternal love of your people?" He said "YES!" The coach told him " I will make the last true playmaker of the world but you should leave Qatar for a competitive European or South American league." The next month, James left his 9 million annual salary for a salary that even wasn't the half for playing time im Greece and Brazil

[@chicabu67]

It's really sad that we didn't see more of james on the highest level of club football

[@power279]

Injuries and bad manager who mishandled him

[@alwinsanthosh6878]

​@@power279makes me really concerned about yamal rn hopefully barca is able to handle the youngster well.

[@Bretoscaja]

As Colombians collectively, it’s probably one of our most frustrated dreams. He had everything to be an iconic superstar. I see it as a Hazard type of deal. Only id put James in front Hazard because he definitely had a bigger impact on the international stage

[@chicabu67]

@@Bretoscaja at clubs hazard definitely had a better career at Chelsea than james anywhere but outside of Chelsea i much more prefer james career

[@Alber6959]

Blame on that to Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid and Rafael Benitez at Everton, they trashed James by not giving him playtime, I remember Benitez talking all good about James and stabbing him on the back by not giving him playtime, looks like both Zinedine Zidane an Benitez hated James 😢

[@DynamicUnreal]

The thing about sports is that lots of the time the media narrative influences reality. Once the “defective” or “washed” tag gets put on a player, it almost becomes impossible to shake off even if it is untrue.

[@Alber6959]

Right on

[@vfljqkndsgphsjn]

im not lying when i say some videos of yours are beautiful. this one is one of them, just like james' football. you spoke something ive been wondering since ages. we need these special players, they're the magic of this sport

[@Coach-rq6jx]

It was not his fault; football changed despite of him. It would be beautiful and poetic justice if he emerges as champion tomorrow. Best player of the tournament by a mile.

[@juliano4829]

IDK, Rafa Benitez already said he doesn't give his best on trainings. Now Zubeldia, his current coach, said the same thing. I am a São Paulo fan, everybody wanted his best, but is clear he is just here to get paid without playing.

[@TSPH1992]

​@@juliano4829 This is sadly true

[@V4velasquez]

I blame modern football for this but thank you for putting respect on his name. I been fighting over the years for his name 😔😔😔. Something u need to know when Colombia named lorenzo as their new coach, Lorenzo flew all over to Doha to talk with James! He told him that he wanted to build a team around him and the only thing he expected from him was to play in EU or a big team in South America so he went from earning 9M to 2M and played with Olympiakos and later with Sao paolo

[@allphornunn]

He had a disastrous, years-long run of injuries and friction with coaches (excepting Carlo of course) which definitely affected him mentally leading to issues of fitness, lack of focus, and just bad form. Really great to see him looking strong and in a positive frame of mind!

[@razeru3386]

I also love old school number 10s. Hopefully seeing they can still be productive in today’s football will motivate coaches and future players to keep the role alive.

[@friedrichnietzsche2557]

As benfica fan i remember him at porto, was wild him, falcão and hulk was insane trio to watch and falcão leave he and hulk carried porto like crazy.🔥🔥

[@recchietted]

James Rodriguez, from striker to number ten and what a number ten!! Incredible vision. Incredible how he has adapted to his new role, resisting his instinct of going in goal himself and serving his team mates with millimetric precision. He has done what Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi cannot or do not want to do. Take a step back and put their experience at the service of the team.

[@_Coach.Eddy_]

NGL, these are the kind of clips we need more of on YT... been a long time since I watched any of your clips....but this docu-series style mixed in with your tactical breakdowns is definitely something I'd watch over & again... PLEASE MAKE A YT PLAYLIST WITH CLIPS LIKE THIS...!!!

[@djbarrerap]

I'm Colombian and I'm in tears. Thank you so much for this video. James is a 'number 10', but that's not a position on the pitch, it's a type of player -- in Colombia, we've had plenty of them: Valderrama, Gio Hernández, Macnelly Torres, J. F. Quintero, E. Cardona, J. Carrascal, Y. Asprilla... I believe some number 10s are at the top level right now (Bernardo, Fernades, Grealish, Bellingham, Olmo..), but the game of today obliges them to do other stuff, so we don't get to see them playing like James for Colombia, which is also one of the reasons why he doesn't perform as well for clubs.

[@DanielSan-te5lf]

This channel is simply the best for in depth football analysis. I certainly appreciate the level of dedication in putting these videos together. Great job man!

[@thepurist_]

Much appreciated!

[@SimRacingCol]

oh man what a video. Made me so nostalgic... pure poetry the way you described our number 10. Indeed this type of players are in danger of extinction and same as you, what i have most enjoyed in a lifetime of playing and watching football is watching a true number 10, a true playmaker. His left foot is just so elegant and sublime, the way he seemlesly arches his body to kiss the ball...pure goosebumps. So inteligent, so fast in his desitions, the weight of his passes, the way he freely roams the pitch finding creative spaces. Most elegant left foot in the world. A true artist, best player in Colombian history, he will be for ages remembered. Thank you for appreciating one of the last pure number 10`s. ❤‍🔥💯

[@Robin-uq2zl]

great player,i am so glad he is back,and btw i really liked what you said"because of players like him i watch football" i agree with that 100%,playmakers can't and shouldn't die in football,very good video man

[@jimmy31hendrix]

Greetings from Colombia, this was a great video, so I'm definetly subcribing. Thanks for shinning a light on our guy James, he deserves a lot more respect and recognition than he gets, and this type of content helps a lot with that, cheers.

[@r.i.psteez929]

I went to my first game ever on Wednesday, Colombia vs Uruguay Semi Final… the atmosphere was unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. When that goal went in (beautiful cross by James) I couldn’t even hear myself, Colombia supporters covered the stadium honestly. It’s a shame Muñoz got the red card cause it killed the game and James came off. I also had a bet on James to do more but the red card killed it as well. Seeing players in the flesh is just so different.

[@exo-cs457agent_G1]

Please Columbia win 2024 This team and james deserves a trophy, most exiting team to watch in whole tournament

[@StarArtGamer]

Colombia has one only one World Cup. They deserve it

[@imdrowning463]

You deserve a trophy when you win it dunce

[@exo-cs457agent_G1]

@@imdrowning463 what kid

[@NiteF0X]

This aged badly lol😂

[@exo-cs457agent_G1]

@@NiteF0X nah nah

[@atroxozaur]

Despite being a Barca fan, man i was always soo in love with James and Isco, the way they played, their technique and everything. It's just something that you don't see anymore. A core playmaker or number 10. James has been one of my fav no. 10 to ever play, there's just something special about him that i can't put my finger on. He had an amazing technique, brilliant set pieces, but he was also a very good shooter and passer. If he only worked more off the ball, maybe he'd still be in top 5 leagues. I t sparks such a joy to see him at the top once more, and i'll be forever heartbroken on how his career kinda fell off, despite his amazing talent. He should have stayed on top for faar longer, so we could see more of his magic.

[@ploutarkhos]

He was my favourite at that time , watching his downfall is painful 😣

[@frankiero2367]

Great video. Nice to see James' magic highlighted. He defiantly adds a great part to elevating the magic of his other special Colombian teammates.

[@samuelschonenberger]

Reminds me of your video about David Silva at Sociadad a while ago Maybe more teams should give trust and freedom to one of these footballing geniuses even if they are in their later years and can't run much

[@augustofigueroa1062]

Wow! All you guys have keen knowledge of Colombian players. That does gladden me. And the video is the best brief I know on what James and Lorenzo's Colombia is all about.

[@ElPabloDelDiablo]

As a Colombian growing up and watching that 2014 World Cup, James Rodriguez has a very special place in my heart. I was heartbroken when he signed for Real Madrid. I wish he signed for Barcelona.

[@a.k8069]

He didn't go, because It wouldn't have suited his style of play. There's a reason he played at Porto, Monaco, Madrid, Bayern, and Everton in Europe. They're all teams that at the time played vertical/progressive football, that create opportunities for game splitting passes. He couldn't do that playing in any of Peps teams or most EPL team of the past decade (notice he joined Ancelotti's Everton and had a good season, then left when the manager left).

[@fabiomunhoz7609]

Just to inform you guys: James barely played for SPFC. As a supporter of the team, I dont know what went wrong, but he simply doesnt play. Also, he isnt on the bench. To see him in Colombia is kind of sad in a way.

[@felipemendozar]

Blame it to your D.T., not James.

[@franklingonzalez6549]

The players don't play with him

[@jonathanc4303]

James Rodriguez has not been given a fair opportunity at São Paulo FC. Despite his undeniable talent and previous accomplishments, he has been largely relegated to playing with the B team. This team has struggled significantly, failing to score and not providing the competitive environment James needs to showcase his skills. It’s clear that the situation at São Paulo has not allowed James to perform at his best. This is not a reflection of his abilities but rather a consequence of circumstances beyond his control.

[@yurivitorpop]

​@@felipemendozar In no club did he succeed, so it's not D.T. problem

[@greendishatibaia9899]

Had James not went to Sao Paulo, had he stayed without professional and big club, or had he stayed in Catar, he definetly WOULD NOT been experiencing this recent revival. Its simple as that. Yes James didnt fit into the team, but he was kind of challenged by this situation. He trains daily alongside good players which all have very good physical condition.

[@arthurmcdaniel3943]

To date he's still one of my fav #10's magical to watch. I'm just sorry that Barca was on transfer ban so we couldn't buy him and had to go for Rakitic instead. He would have thrived in that Barca system. With MSN infront of him

[@kalleandersson916]

James has allways been an absolut baller. With a little more ballz he could have become an absolute legend

[@sa4769]

James is such an incredible player, world class amongst the best ever

[@cui576]

I'm a Banfield fan so I have always admired James since he's debut at professional futbol. Banfield was champion (first and only time so far) with James and It's my wish to see him wearing Banfield colors one more time (no one can stop us from dreaming).

[@jonathanmartinez6600]

Love this video, James stood out as the best player in the tournament by far. I hope he gets better club opportunities and has a few great club years with an incredible and his best World Cup yet to come in 2026. 🤎

[@PakoBar2717]

Thank you! Love this player

[@jaredbermudez5706]

Purist (cause i don't knwo your name) you really made me get emotional at the end. Im a colombian and wasnt expecting to see this duper performsnces by James although he's always been awesome with a Colombia jersey on him. One fay i hope to be a great player like him, and for sure his resurgence will inspire s new generation as you do with such awesome videos. All the best my bro❤

[@juancarlosherreraburbano194]

Al fin un video de Colombia. Teníamos que llegar a la semifinal y ser del top2 del mundo para un video. Por favor mira equipos pequeños también....

[@ShaneCox348812]

Love these videos and the fact that you study and celebrate the great playmakers such as Riquelme and James. Would love to get your take on Mesut Ozil in one of these videos.

[@represintctc]

James was as good as di maria and better than ozil at real Madrid. I don't know why all the hate happen towards him. He is literally one of the best players that ever played for Real Madrid only second to Cristiano

[@theforkliftguy]

Relax lol he was not better than Ozil. Slow your roll.

[@MIlPalabras1000]

What a great comment you made with arguments and poetry, just like football should be.... just like James career

[@FilipGjorgiev]

Thank you hundred times!

[@victoriat7023]

Amazing video, thank you!

[@grovve8960]

I agree, i really miss him playing in Europe, can’t see his highlights when he’s playing for mid grade teams

[@AE0N777]

What an incredible video, thank you so much. Got me emotional

[@nakdickson]

I forgot he played for bayern 😊

[@soumnag7388]

James is back with 2014 nostalgia

[@BlazySM-qp4yn]

amazing video

[@lozefc93]

He was absolutely magical at Everton. Gutted we never got to see him play live because of covid, and then Rafa Benitez immediately getting rid of him when he arrived.

[@tonym6566]

It had to be said 💯👏

[@jpablo_09]

Amazing take, congrats!

[@dariussalepetru6770]

James Rodriguez is very great

[@brandobaddadan]

EL CAPI 🇨🇴 His passing is poetry

[@davidmirandajr]

Well done video, no bias, just facts

[@2meganestor]

Kind of dissapointed you didn’t make a tactical video of Nestor Lorenzo’s Colombia.

[@Brandon.thebaby]

James Rodriguez- El Poeta ✨🎩

[@chafundiforni0]

Colombian national team's James Rodríguez is the one every team that signed him paid for, but they never had it. The way he cried in the post-match interview vs. Uruguay says it all. 23 years later, Colombia is back to a final. I can't help but to root for him

[@oldermartinez]

James ❤

[@Noshibru2]

He still has that spark to him i mean modric has been world class through out his 30’s so why can’t james

[@TSPH1992]

I think Modric has better genes and works harder

[@Haakonisak]

Best player we had at Everton for ages, but the injuries ruined soo much for him. I was gutted when he left, and still Evertonfans talk about him saying how sad it was that he did not get to play in front of the Goodison crowd because of covid. Rafa coming in as manager whas the final nail in the coffin for James, I can NEVER forgive Benitez for pushing him out of the club, the worst signing of a manager in the history of any club.

[@user333-us4qz]

Great speech 🦾😁

[@amanikibola156]

This guy has the best videos man!!!

[@arcadeseeker]

Outstanding.

[@HishamR89]

I still dont get how he was let go by Everton. He made a limited e striker like DCL look almost world class. That crossing ability is a dying art and can win any game against anyone.

[@coolone7100]

He was hated by Benitez at Real Madrid, then Zidane came to Madrid . Benitez didn’t want to play the 10 anymore and there were problems between him and James at Madrid. Eventually Benitez got sacked and Zidane came in. When Ancelotti left Everton guess who came back? Benitez! Day one he told James to go away I don’t need you I need runners! Eventually James left Everton for Qatar and the rest is history.

[@felipemendozar]

Benitez ruins everything he touches.

[@HishamR89]

@@coolone7100 Thats a great explanation. Although Im still surprised no English teams thought of going for him. He would be great at Villa playing off Watkins or on the right with Konsa playing as a defensive rb/rcb covering for him.

[@coolone7100]

@@HishamR89From what I’ve heard right now Spain is interested in him. Clubs like Villarreal , Atletico Madrid, and Real Socidad are looking at him. He just turned 33 on Friday so I don’t see the Premier League to suit him anymore. Most Premier teams don’t play with a 10 position anymore

[@HishamR89]

@@coolone7100 Good points. Generally 10s are very hard to fit in but he's as good out wide due to his mobility and it doesn't diminish his main skill set which is a plus. A team like Villa that depends on the transition could work out. But Atletico sounds very suitable for him.

[@faizameen2170]

It's coming back we now have odegaard leading arsenal, worth, musiala, cold Palmer, Don Carlo still values his 10 too, griezmaan plus Isco rejuvenating his career also a big shout. It was gone for a while but now it's coming back the era of physicality fast and powerful runners is ending and we're gradually moving back to what makes the game beautiful which is the technicality.

[@steviesoprano]

My goat

[@BitcoinOnlyCentral]

Beautiful video

[@ryanleung9158]

The last classic No.10 in Modern Football

[@user-dj7xq1qh9e]

5:22 lionel messi (no need to mention obviously) is one of those players. Rare ones❤

[@ahmedhakeem9941]

I always say this Under the right circumstances, a baller will always ball Class is permanent Which is why I wasn't surprised by James and Isco coming back to perform

[@dylanjackson29]

One of my favourite players of all time. Him at the WC is still the best prime of any player I’ve ever seen. Outshining Prime Messi on the world stage? Different Gravy. Only player I love more is maybe Drogba 👍 Top Quality Video

[@BakiSmaki27]

He's always been good for Colombia. The issue with him and his club career is that I don't think most teams are willing to build their offense around him and that's what he needs to be an effective player. He's not really a guy who can contribute as much in other roles. Modern systems tend to value more positional flexibility and not having to rely on one guy. .

[@Pauliki]

Just a quick update. James was told not to step foot in São Paulo again otherwise the players would kick his ass. That's how much people despise him there.

[@bythecliff]

Looks like the no. 10 role is making a comeback.

[@CuriousPug12]

unfortunately, CONMEBOL wouldn't allow him and colombia win the copa as long as messi still play for argentina

[@DiogoGaming2]

I Agree with the video but i think saying playmakers are "in danger" is a bit exagerated, Pedri, Wirtz, Vitinha, Olmo, Guler, Odegaard, Xavi Simmons, Kokçu, Bruno Guimaraes just to name a few, and other high tecnic intelligent players like yamal, foden, Musiala, João Neves, Gavi, Szoboszlai, etc... are all great examples of that. The reality is just that the last 2 generations were just insane... With messi, iniesta, Xavi, busquets, ozil, de bruyne, hazard, sneijder, james, kroos, modric, neymar, gotze, luis alberto, maddison, thiago etc and kaka, zidane, ronaldinho, pirlo, rui costa and many others. For sure, this generation does not seem as capable and we need to inspire more players like these but i dont think it is "in danger" is people now seem to all just say and they say its because of juego de posicion, its not. But for sure, i agree that this generation as less and that we should give a lot more value to the players we have at the moment, but its rushed in opinion to say that, maybe the next few generations will not have as many and maybe is just because the last 2 were insane and we have to understand that too.

[@gregongao8675]

what is the song you used during the legacy portion?

[@BrujayBoleta]

Do a video on Francescoli 🌟🌟🌟

[@kemuelaraujo6846]

Another player that was very impressive during the World Cup was Joel Campbell. Does anyone remember?

[@user-ic8vs2si1n]

Pls mate , do a video on new Chelsea new Coach Enzo maresca Pls

[@joonyee]

We need more Copa America content :D

[@EARTANGEL]

He never left

[@saggo8065]

JAMES AL ATLETI 🔴⚪️🔴

[@hihammitalsi761]

are you gonna do Spain tactic in euro

[@gerrih3483]

And Everton let him go 😢

[@adityakshirsagar6059]

I always feel that world is loosing James after RM transfer him. i think this same thing is happening with mario goetze after dortmand exit

[@haikazumadesu36]

He's basically taken on a Messi-type of role for the team, which seems to best way to fit a player of his profile.

[@bukayonosakadebanda7163]

From 2010 to now he’s imo top 3 most talented players after Messi and Neymar. Sadly football killed his position, had he been born 10 years earlier he’d definitely have at least one ballon dOr

[@AlexandertheGreat.10]

Where's the third video on Hansi Flick?

[@ImranAli-zd5bq]

pls make videos on hansi flick barcelona

[@BlenduSaliu]

Hello can you do more Barcelona Videos to flick ?

[@NamelessHeroTV]

I wish that my Brazil can still do something like this with Neymar

[@renzostefanmp7937]

They would be unstoppable in that case.

[@aposteriori421]

Last time out for James

[@szklanyy]

This is THE video in terms of my football identity ... i love tracking back when im in offense , i love binding myself to anybody , even defence , i know that the Presence of Lord Jesus Christ in me can only better my teammates and being a playmaker is my dream role .. patience is the key, we will see on the fields! All Hail the Holy Trinity , One God !

[@coldshot1611]

Football is going threw a phase with the way people are playing the system like Pep does someday one manager will find a new meta within the game that will involve a true number 10 to thrive. We just have to wait until that day comes.

[@issoeerrado8917]

You should do a collab with Categoria Canal

[@camilomolina1998]

❤❤❤

[@chrissilkwood5439]

Messi: "when you are everywhere, you are nowhere."

[@JoseAngelC]

Useful idiots and tools repeated and will still do "he disappeared after that world cup". No, as seen here he was la Liga Best Midfielder of the Year at Real, was a master on his first season at Bayern and he didn't fail at Real or Bayern later, he just wasn't a player the new coaches played with, they didn't want the type of player he is because they wanted runners. Everton fans still rate James. The only flaws James has are some injury setbacks and needing a fatherly type of coaching to feel supported.

[@matheusfiorelli8829]

São Paulo fans watching Copa América be like: why cant he play like this for us? xD

[@andersoncaipe6113]

Make a video on Spain pls