Everton star Rodríguez doubles Real Madrid’s final season production in just five games


The 29-year-old has been rejuvenated under Carlo Ancelotti, leading the Toffees to the top of the table in the early stages of 2020-21.

James Rodriguez has continued his strong start in life at Everton, scoring two goals and an assist in a 4-2 win over Brighton on Saturday.

The Colombian has rejuvenated after his move to Merseyside from Real Madrid and has already doubled his production from his last season at the Santiago Bernabéu.

With three goals and three assists in five games for Everton in all competitions this season, James has doubled his comeback from his 14 appearances for Real Madrid last season (one goal, two assists).

Rodríguez assisted compatriot Yerry Mina just before Saturday’s break before scoring goals in the 52nd and 70th minutes.

With his double, Rodríguez scored two or more goals in a league game for the first time since March 2019, when he scored a hat-trick for Bayern Munich against Mainz in the Bundesliga.

Talking with him BBCEverton manager Carlo Ancelotti, who also coached Rodriguez at Real Madrid and Bayern, said he knew the quality of the playmaker would quickly shine through in England.

“As I said the first day, quality players have no problem with that. [settling in]”said the Italian.

“The quality is there because football is not that complicated. The field is always the same, the rivals are always 11, the ball is the same, the goal does not move.

“Soccer is simple. It is not complicated.”

Ancelotti has rejuvenated the Toffees in his first full season in charge, leading the club to victories in his first seven games in all competitions, including four in a row in the Premier League.

Everton are now off to their best start in a whopping 126 years, having last won their first seven games in all competitions in the 1894-95 season.

The Toffees also won their first four games in a top-flight season for the first time since 1969-70, when they won the title.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been instrumental in his team’s brilliant start, and his goal against Brighton means he is the first player to score in each of Everton’s first four Premier League games of a season.

The forward’s form state earned him a first call-up from England earlier this week.

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