James Rodríguez was called up by Néstor Lorenzo to the Colombian National Team for the Eliminatory matches against Uruguay and Ecuador. His performance in Sao Paulo in Brazil has improved.
Two months with his new team are noticeable. He is not a regular starter, but he is getting more minutes. He has responded well physically and has greater relevance when coach Dorival Junior takes him into account.
He has played eight matches and scored one goal with Sao Paulo. His technique is still valid. His teammates respect him.
The attacking midfielder once again justifies his presence in the national team. He was an alternative in the first matches against Venezuela and Chile. Now, he brings arguments to fight for a starting position.
Colombia will start at home against Uruguay. Juan Fernando Quintero has been left out, and the young Yaser Asprilla, who has been called up, still lacks experience to face the Eliminatory matches as a starter. The main competitor is Jorge Carrascal. He has more continuity in Russia with Dinamo Moscow.
They have played together in the friendly match against Korea in March, with different players in the attack. Carrascal on the left, the number 10 in the middle, and Diego Valoyes on the right. Luis Díaz was absent, so it seems difficult to repeat that option.
He can also aspire to the captaincy. Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, the leader on the field, has been left out as he has just recovered from the tendinitis that affected him in the previous match. His career inclines the captain's armband in his favor.
On Saturday, October 7, they will visit Vasco da Gama for the Brasileirao.