Simply in time for the World Cup, James Rodriguez has a brand new membership, becoming a member of Minnesota United as a free agent. The Colombian nationwide crew captain was final at Membership Leon in Liga MX, departing after a wierd time there. Whereas Roriguez joined as a part of the membership ramping as much as compete within the Membership World Cup, they ended up being banned from the match, and Rodriguez departed after the tip of his contract after making 14 appearances and scoring three targets and aiding two extra.

Now 34, Rodriguez heads to the North Star State on a six-month contract with a membership possibility to increase  for one more six months. This permits him time to get again on top of things forward of the World Cup whereas including a prime attacker alongside Joaquin Pereya. Whereas there could also be questions on how a lot Rodriguez has left in his legs as he heads to MLS, one sure factor is that he can nonetheless cross with the perfect midfielders in North America.

The chart beneath exhibits Rodriguez from his time at Membership Leon, and there is a lot to love concerning the passing numbers that he brings. 

With Pereya, Bongokuhle Hlongwane advert Kevin Yeboah tasked with placing the ball behind the web, the Colombian midfielder can drop it in a bucket for attackers to run onto. He may carry wonderful set play supply to a crew that led the league in targets from set items, excluding penalties. their set piece targets, Minnesota led the league by 5 with 22 targets in 34 video games performed, and it is a quantity that would rise by way of Rodriguez.

After goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair’s departure for Inter Miami and head coach Eric Ramsay leaving for West Bromwich Albion, there will probably be questions on whether or not the midfield and backline can deal with Pereya and Rodriguez being mild on the defensive finish of issues, however it would nonetheless make for enjoyable soccer this season. Wil Trapp and Nectarios Triantis began Minnesota’s remaining sport of the season in midfield, a convention semifinal loss to San Diego FC, and can should be in all places to guard the midfield this season.

Trapp is 33, although, and there is all the time some extent the place it will possibly grow to be an excessive amount of for defensive midfielders making an attempt to maintain up with the tempo of play. If Minnesota can keep away from that, they’re going to be in an ideal place this season with Rodriguez within the squad, however having such an attacking luxurious does not come with out drawbacks. It is all about stability when competing on all fronts, and that is a process that may now fall on new head coach Cameron Knowles. It is also simpler to defend when your crew can put the ball behind the web, and Minnesota United ought to rating early, usually, and ceaselessly this season.