Everton’s fortunes have taken a significant downturn ever since Carlo Ancelotti jumped from their sinking ship onto the surefire success that Real Madrid offered.
Now preparing to contest his second Champions League since returning whilst the Toffees have just escaped their third straight relegation battle, few begrudge his decision given the respective fortunes of both manager and club.
However, it was always impossible for whoever succeeded the legendary tactician to live up to the brief legacy he left, having offered Evertonians unbridled positivity that they had seldom felt for decades.
Another focal point of that affection and excitement came courtesy of his acquisitions, bringing seasoned veteran Allan in alongside a proven Premier League enforcer Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Unsurprisingly, James Rodriguez was the standout acquisition, and he is now inexplicably hinting at a return.
James Rodriguez hints at Everton return
The manner of the Colombian’s exit was somewhat acrimonious, but not between him and the fanbase.
Instead, his longstanding feud with Rafael Benitez was reignited, as the Spaniard was brought in by Farhad Moshiri to replace Ancelotti.
Seeking to drive out any form of happiness or creativity from the side, the former Liverpool boss quickly undid all the positivity gained from the tenure he succeeded in just a few months before eventually being sacked.
And whilst Sean Dyche is far from the perfect manager to coach a player like Rodriguez, it would be hard for anyone to say no to his return.
One EvertonHub, a fan account, would post on Instagram regarding his current unhappiness in Brazil, where he moved after leaving Olympiakos last year.
The caption begs for him to ‘come home’, and for whatever reason, he replied.
‘Last dance?’ He asks. Absolutely, the fanbase surely exclaims.
It’s a crime that most Everton fans never got to see James Rodriguez
The fact that Rodriguez played for Everton for a year and only a handful of fans got to see it occur live is criminal, with COVID-19 forcing Evertonians to watch from their armchairs in isolation.
However, what they saw was majestic, and it became clear instantly that they had somehow snagged a world-class technician.
His touch was immaculate and his weight of pass perfection.
The two-time Champions League winner did not have much in the way of work rate, but with the ball at his feet, he was one of the best in the Premier League. This was briefly evidenced in the fact he scored six and assisted a further four across just 23 appearances that season.
To have him back would surely end the creative and goalscoring drought that Dyche has been enduring. It’s just whether he can find a place within his system to accommodate such a luxury player.
