One Tweet has highlighted James Rodriguez’ on-pitch importance to Everton in terms of creative play.
The Colombia international recently joined Qatari side Al Rayyan for an undisclosed fee, with the club taking to social media and other official channels on Wednesday [22/9/21] to confirm the news.
Football gaming project CLUB (@clubgame_app) took to Twitter to highlight where the playmaker ranked in terms of statistics in relation to the rest of his team last season.
Twitter: James Rodriguez in the Premier League last season (Everton Rank)
Big Chances Created | 11 (1st)
Final 3rd Passes… https://t.co/19QYFWKf3D (@clubgame_app)
Under Ancelotti last season, Rodriguez topped his team’s charts for big chanced created (11), expected assists (xA, 5.4) and final third passes (260).
He also came second for shot-creating actions (72) and third at Everton for successful dribbles (34).
The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star had yet to appear under Rafa Benitez despite being a part of the squad, and failed to make the bench even in Everton’s most recent clash with Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Read Everton Verdict
The stats underline Rodriguez’ central role as a predominant playmaker in Ancelotti’s fluid system last term.
A definitive signing under the Italian tactician’s spell in the dugout at Goodison Park, his 6 goals and 9 assists in just 26 outings under Ancelotti were a testament to his ability in terms of direct contributions.
However, the free transfer from Real Madrid has simply cut an unwanted figure under new boss Rafa Benitez, and offloading the asset’s £200,000-a-week wages off the Everton wage bill is considerable.
With a transfer fee also being raised – reported at £7.2 million by Transfermarkt – the club have recouped some of the finances laid down for the deal.
