James Rodriguez

[footyfan]

So I assume they'll either pigeonhole Kroos or Modric into a CDM role or sit one of them for Alonso. Some risky game RM are playing.

I suppose they can play without Benzema and fit all 4 midfielders.

I think they have a problem only for the coming year. A year from now, Alonso is probably out, Cristiano is already getting injured a fair bit (James is his galactico replacement, no doubt about it), Khedira and Illarra would've to make a decision as I think they will be the ones affected this season. For the defensive midfielder position, I think they're gambling on Illarra for the future, or maybe they plan Pogba/Vidal(??) in which case they would have a nice balance in midfield Modric-Vidal/Pogba-Kroos with James another mid in the front 3 James-Benzema/Falcao-Bale.

Honestly, I think it's a lot likelier that one of Kroos and Modric is injured at any point in time so they won't have to shoehorn both. Barca had the same kind of depth with Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Song, Cesc and Thiago for three positions. They have Khedira, Alonso, Modric, Kroos, Isco, Illarramendi and James for theoretically three positions, with Isco's and Khedira's future already in doubt. Morata got sold so Benzema has no sub which might give an idea as to what Ancelotti is thinking (James at his position) or maybe a 4-4-2 like in the big games last year (Ronaldo-James front 2).

 

[Sumlit]

I think they have a problem only for the coming year. A year from now, Alonso is probably out, Cristiano is already getting injured a fair bit (James is his galactico replacement, no doubt about it), Khedira and Illarra would've to make a decision as I think they will be the ones affected this season. For the defensive midfielder position, I think they're gambling on Illarra for the future, or maybe they plan Pogba/Vidal(??) in which case they would have a nice balance in midfield Modric-Vidal/Pogba-Kroos with James another mid in the front 3 James-Benzema/Falcao-Bale.

Honestly, I think it's a lot likelier that one of Kroos and Modric is injured at any point in time so they won't have to shoehorn both. Barca had the same kind of depth with Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Song, Cesc and Thiago for three positions. They have Khedira, Alonso, Modric, Kroos, Isco, Illarramendi and James for theoretically three positions, with Isco's and Khedira's future already in doubt. Morata got sold so Benzema has no sub which might give an idea as to what Ancelotti is thinking (James at his position) or maybe a 4-4-2 like in the big games last year (Ronaldo-James front 2).

I think the problem is more delicate than you are painting it.

Assuming they unload Di Maria, which is almost a sure thing, they still have 3 defensive mids for 1 position, even if they shelf Illarra for the future, him not playing at all or very little cannot be good for his future prospects. Alonso still going to want a prominent role, so Khedira won't be happy.

Then they have 4 players for the other 2 spots. All of them are likely to demand plenty of playing time and doubtless more than one will be unhappy with a lesser role.

Even if they decide to simplify it and unload Khedira and Isco, and roll with Alonso and Illarra as CDMs, and Modric, Kroos and James as the other 2 mids, there will come a point when one of the 3 will fall out from the main lineup and that player will not be happy either.

This is not the same case with Barca where you had a system and a hierarchy and players knew their pecking order. All three of Modric, Kroos and James are expecting to play. Modric was arguably the best RM player last season along with Di Maria, Kroos is a midfielder with pedigree and titles and a new addition, and James is a galactico blockbuster signing. Doubt any will be content with a lesser role. You also have Bale and Ronaldo who will be hard to displace. It'll be a risky endeavor to try to accommodate all these players.

I really feel the most sorry for Isco. He's got no chance.

 

[Sumlit]

I really do think they fully intend to play Kroos in Xabi's role, i do. It's the only way all this makes sense. Not sure how defensively sound that formation might be, what with Bale, Ronaldo and Benzema also being defensive adverse, but it would give play to all the big signings and it would be exciting to watch.

 

[footyfan]

Oh yeah there's no doubt there's going to be unhappy players. Which is why I expect next summer to be pivotal for them. Things will be a lot clearer after that. As I said, they have a problem for this season, too many great players.

I'd still have a lot of great players rather than scrape the B team. Don't be surprised if RM are still successful this upcoming season.

 

[KingMessi]

For opposition fans, it'd be exciting to watch indeed.

 

[footyfan]

I really do think they fully intend to play Kroos in Xabi's role, i do. It's the only way all this makes sense. Not sure how defensively sound that formation might be, what with Bale, Ronaldo and Benzema also being defensive adverse, but it would give play to all the big signings and it would be exciting to watch.

They might try it, then realise it sucks monkeyballs and get someone more athletic and physical (Pogba/Vidal) next year to play alongside them.

 

[messi2140]

Is ancelotti still on vacation. Or is he really silent about the signings ?

 

[Sumlit]

Oh yeah there's no doubt there's going to be unhappy players. Which is why I expect next summer to be pivotal for them. Things will be a lot clearer after that. As I said, they have a problem for this season, too many great players.

I'd still have a lot of great players rather than scrape the B team. Don't be surprised if RM are still successful this upcoming season.

IMO the way Madrid are setting up, I would give them a better chance at a tournament and elimination games, than La Liga. Would not be surprised in the least if they finish 2nd or 3rd in La Liga again but win CdR and UCL again.

They might try it, then realise it sucks monkeyballs and get someone more athletic and physical (Pogba/Vidal) next year to play alongside them.

Lel, it's hard to fathom they keeping the current players happy with their playing time, without adding a Pogba/Vidal to the mix. You're right that it would be like them to do it.

It'll be fun, if nothing else.

 

[khaled_a_d]

I really do think they fully intend to play Kroos in Xabi's role, i do. It's the only way all this makes sense. Not sure how defensively sound that formation might be, what with Bale, Ronaldo and Benzema also being defensive adverse, but it would give play to all the big signings and it would be exciting to watch.

They do,even their fans are convinced that Kroos is Xabi's replacement,but I don't see it tbh,Alonso is a true DM and a true spoiler definsively .Sure he is gr8 ball distributor and same can be said about Kroos,but Kroos isn't that gr8 defender,sure Kroos defends probably as CM but no way he defends like Alonso
Kroos always played in front of 2 of Schwensteiger/Lahm/Martinez/Gustavo/Khedira in both NT&Bayerns 2 of those were always the DM behind him,from that to play just in front of backline? I doubt he will be effective in that role

 

[Hummelsbauer]

They do,even their fans are convinced that Kroos is Xabi's replacement,but I don't see it tbh,Alonso is a true DM and a true spoiler definsively .Sure he is gr8 ball distributor and same can be said about Kroos,but Kroos isn't that gr8 defender,sure Kroos defends probably as CM but no way he defends like Alonso
Kroos always played in front of 2 of Schwensteiger/Lahm/Martinez/Gustavo/Khedira in both NT&Bayerns 2 of those were always the DM behind him,from that to play just in front of backline? I doubt he will be effective in that role

They're about the same height and weight. Kroos can still improve defensively. Also, let's not act like Alonso has ever been superb defensively. That's somewhat of a myth.

 

[Bertus]

For opposition fans, it'd be exciting to watch indeed.

No need to be RM fan to find it exciting, really.

This season is promising: LvG at MU, Suarez and Lucho at Barcelona, RM and its galacticos team, Pep's bayern season 2 etc etc.

A shame i don't have the time to watch everything

 

[Chainsaw]

At first I didn't believe this James to RM rumor, but it is actually happening. Well, that's Florentino Perez for you. Good luck with another 12 years CL drought. Hopefully!

 

[xavisionary]

Kroos was unnecessary, but Rodriguez is down right ridiculous. RM's priority should be a DM who will sit alongside Modric. This is exactly like when they signed Kaka and tried to shoe horn him into a non-existent position.

 

[instinct]

Get French Football ‏@GFN_France 3 Min.
The fee for James Rodriguez is €90m. #RMCF #ASM

 

[Bertus]

Transfer's done.

- RM announced 80M euros
- But all french medias got sources that confirmed the real amount is 90M+bonus, so almost 100M euros.

And i don't want to disrespectful towards RM and spanish medias, but usually when it concerns a sale from the french league the french medias get the fee right.