James Rodriguez is enjoying a new lease of life at Bayern Munich
James Rodriguez was shipped off to German giants Bayern Munich on a two season-long loan in June 2017, as he was deemed inadequate at Real Madrid. This turned out to be a career-reviving change for the Colombian captain who is off to a great start and really enjoying his playing-time with Bayern.
The attacking midfielder already has 4 goals and 6 assists in 16 games for Bayern, not to mention a special free-kick to his name which was voted 'Goal Of The Month' for January by Bundesliga Fans.
James has a knack for playing long balls and cutting inside and without doubt, the former Porto and Monaco man has boosted Jupp Heynckes' team and will be a deciding element in their pursuit of a treble.
The Real Madrid outcast will have a lot of sharks circling around him after his loan spell ends with the rumors of possible interests from the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United according to the Liverpool Echo.
The €80m rated player can even become a regular starter for Real Madrid after his loan spell ends but Bayern fans believe that the club should activate a permanent move for the Colombian in June 2019.
The Madrid loanee used to warm the bench at his stint at Real as he was competing for the same place with Isco, Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Modric and Marco Asensio.
At Bayern, he has been on fire as a playmaker with his excellent vision and the ability to defend when needed. James has also been collecting individual honours in Germany winning the Bundesliga 'Player Of The Month' for January.
The Colombian has been quoted saying in Bild, “I think Munich is a beautiful city, the club is great and I would like to stay here for many years,”
In James, Bayern has found a player who can open up defences with his exceptional vision and accurate long balls over the defenders.
James has formed a formidable combination on the right side of midfield, combining well with winger Arjen Robben and full-back Joshua Kimmich.
He has completed 91% of all his passes in Bundesliga 2017/18 and can make a pass from all over the pitch, particularly his dangerous diagonal balls, to pick out his team-mates.
He has created more chances ( 42 ) than any other Bayern player since Heynckes' arrival.
With the arrival of James, Thomas Muller has been able to play a more attacking role and combine well with Robert Lewandowski as 'King James' has been playing a deeper role ahead of Arturo Vidal and Javi Martinez. James is also a set-piece specialist and has been finding his team-mates from corners.
The Colombian playmaker seems to have made quite an impression on his boss, Jupp Heynckes and his manager has been quoted as saying, " James is a godsend for us and has become an instant hit at the Allianz Arena".
James is relaxed, happy and has been bonding well with his Bayern mates, he has adapted well to Munich both on and off the pitch and the Bayern fans have taken a liking towards the 2014 World Cup's top scorer.
This, along with the form he is in is quite an indication that a permanent deal to Bayern in June 2019 is on the cards.