---
title: "Stephen Warnock unsure if James Rodriguez fits new Everton style"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/stephen-warnock-unsure-if-james-rodriguez-fits-new-everton-style/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Jones"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2021-08-12T07:30:00Z"
modified: "2021-08-12T07:30:00Z"
---

# Stephen Warnock unsure if James Rodriguez fits new Everton style

Former left-back Stephen Warnock, who played under Rafa Benitez at Anfield, has claimed [Everton](https://readeverton.com/2021/08/11/four-pundits-issue-predictions-ahead-of-evertons-pl-opener/) playmaker James Rodriguez is set to remain in a state of limbo regarding his Everton future.

The ex-Reds man told [Sky Sports News (9/8/21, 12:15 pm)](https://www.skysports.com/football)that the former Monaco, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder will be ‘stuck’ at Everton for another season.

Claiming he is ‘not a Rafa player’, Warnock explained his reasoning as to why the Colombian’s future could create com plications for Everton.

The 30-year-old, who boasts experience with some of Europe’s most notable clubs, arrived on a free transfer from Real Madrid as a flagship signing under Carlo Ancelotti.

Conversely, Ancelotti’s departure over the summer to manage at Rodriguez’ former employer led to reports claiming the Colombian attacker was [agitating for an exit.](https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/08/03/everton-transfer-gossip-rodriguez-porto-mendes-milan-report/)

Describing him as a ‘game-changer’, Warnock elaborated on what he feels Rodriguez adds to Everton – but ruled him out as a natural fit for Benitez’ tactical preferences.

> “First and foremost, he’s not a Rafa player,” said Warnock[via HITC](https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/08/10/not-a-rafa-player-sky-pundit-says-everton-ace-will-be-stuck-at-the-club-for-another-season/). “Which is probably not what he wants to hear.

> “But he’s a game-changer. Whether you use him sparingly off the bench. You know his qualities. He can change the game in a blink of an eye. Every time he gets on the ball, he’s looking to play the forward pass. The killer pass.

> “What he lacks in work rate and tactical ability, he makes up for in other ways because he can change the game for you.

> “But with the money he is on, will anybody come in for him and say ‘we really need a James Rodriguez in our team’? I think he might be stuck there for another season.”

### Read Everton Verdict

Given that Benitez prefers a 4-2-3-1 system with a double pivot, Rodriguez is surely able to be accommodated in Everton’s plans.

Operating with both a creative midfielder and wingers, Rodriguez could fit in either role.

Especially if deployed centrally, Rodriguez could operate as a deep-lying pivot that looks to play through a ‘killer pass’ to others.

If Rodriguez remains, expect him to play a leading role for the Toffees.