‘Inspirational’, ‘very good’: Andros Townsend wowed by Everton summer signing

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Everton forward James Rodriguez is “inspirational” and will be a “very good player” for Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees this season, Andros Townsend has told talkSPORT.

The 77-cap Colombia international arrived at Goodison Park in September, linking up once again with Ancelotti, a manager with whom he has a great working relationship.

Rodriguez joined Real Madrid in 2014, under Ancelotti’s watch, after his starring role at the World Cup that summer.

The two then linked up again three years later when Bayern Munich signed the player on loan, and now they’re reunited once again, this time at Everton.

The 29-year-old has hit the ground running for the Toffees, registering three goals and three assists in five appearances in all competitions.

Rodriguez’s efforts have helped Ancelotti’s side to the top of the Premier League table and into the quarter-finals of the League Cup.

“Normally players of his ilk take time [to adapt],” Crystal Palace ace Townsend told talkSPORT.

“It’s a new culture and a new way of playing, and maybe more physical than he’s used to.

“But he’s started very well. He created the first goal against us and was inspirational, and I think he’ll be a very good player for Everton this season.”

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Rodriguez had endured several tough years and his stock had fallen somewhat – unjustly so, given he’s now looking back to his very best, much to the delight of the Everton contingent.

Ancelotti’s trust in the 29-year-old has proven a superb decision, one of many culminating in a superb run of results and top spot in the league come the international break.

The Italian is one of the world’s best coaches for a reason, and let’s hope for more of the same from the Blues as the season goes on.