‘Revelation’, ‘what a player he is’: Micah Richards blown away by Everton ace

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Everton forward James Rodriguez has been described as a “revelation” by BBC Sport pundit Micah Richards, who said the Toffees ace is his signing of the summer.

The Colombia international arrived at Goodison Park in September, linking up once again with Carlo 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 Ancelotti’s side to the top of the Premier League table and into the quarter-finals of the League Cup.

“Top three transfers of the window? I would have to go with James Rodriguez,” Richards told BBC Sport (18:21). “He has just been a revelation. What a player he is.

“I am not one of these people jumping on the bandwagon. I’ve had him in my fantasy league team from the get go.

“I knew he was quality and would perform, he just needed some lovin’ and Carlo Ancelotti has certainly given him that. He is my number one, definitely.”

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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.