Redknapp spot on with Rodriguez’s World Cup Golden Ball claims
Published:There may still be a World Cup final to play with two of the main protagonists to be crowned player of the tournament involved, but Colombian sensation James Rodriguez is still worthy of backing for the prestigious award.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez remains the outsider of the trio at a tantalising price of 4/1, even though he’s scored two more goals than Messi and one more than Muller having played a game less ahead of the final in Rio.
Anybody who scores six goals by the conclusion of the quarter-final stage of a World Cup has to be in contention for the tournament Golden Boot.
Colombia’s number 10 is that man and although the last eight is where Rodriguez’ World Cup journey was abruptly halted, the Monaco midfielder has arguably still done enough to put his name on the trophy.
This is a view shared by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp: “I think James Rodriguez has been far and away the best player of the tournament. It’s not just for his goals, but for the quality that he’s shown throughout,” he said.
It’s not just the manner of Rodriguez’s sublime, volleyed wonder goal against Brazil which marks the Colombian out either – although providing such a moment of genius is virtually worthy of the Golden Ball on its own.
From Colombia’s very first game of the competition, where he applied the icing on the cake during a 3-0 defeat of Greece, through to his two-goal heroics against Brazil which so nearly placed Los Cafeteros in uncharted territory, he’s thrilled more consistently than any other.
At just 22 he posseses two great feet, exquisite vision, dribbling ability, a clear eye for goal and where Muller and Messi have gone missing in some games, Rodriguez was at the heart of everything good Colombia did.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £100 in free bets.
