Rodriguez ‘can cope with Real Madrid pressure’

Rodriguez

Colombia talisman James Rodriguez has been tipped to shine at Real Madrid if he completes a mega-money move from Monaco.

Spanish source Marca claims the La Liga giants will secure his services in the coming days, having been dazzled by his displays in this summer’s World Cup.

And Colombia legend Carlos Valderrama told the newspaper that his compatriot can cope with the pressure of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

He said: “I hope he goes to Spain. There’s not much I can add after the World Cup he has just played. Whoever had any doubts has now seen what he can do. I never had any.

“He has exploded onto the international scene at the World Cup, and he’s only 22. Not bad, eh?

“Where he plays best is where he started out at – as a classic number 10. But as the numbers 10s of old are now not so useful for most managers, I’d have him out on the wing; he’d be great there too.

“And if he plays alongside fast players, even better, because he has who to lay on the assists to. He moves around a lot and helps out the defence a great deal.”

Valderrama believes the temperament Rodriguez showcased on the biggest stage of all proved he has what it takes to be a success at the Bernabeu.

He added: “Not even Real Madrid is too big for James. Look how he played this World Cup…just 22 years old, he has shown he can play for any club in the world.

“Great players cost a lot, and he’s a great player. He’s an eight or ten-year investment and the club that buys him won’t regret it, whoever buys him will get their money back. He’s got a long time in him. He’s a great buy and will solve a lot of problems.”