Reckless in the clubs, captain in the national team: James is reborn in 2023

James Rodriguez He worked hard in São Paulo to get back there Colombia national team. Step by step he regained control of the team that finished the season unbeaten and finished third He clears his throat To the 2026 World Cup.

During his presentation midway through the previous year, DT explained the foundations of his mandate. Trust James. He expressed this with words of praise for his abilities, even though they were conditional on continuity in his club.

He added: “James will not stop being a lesser player after being away for a month or twoHe has impressive class“It will always be within the national team as long as I am there,” he said.

It was a promise kept. During the time of Olympiacos, when he alternated between good matches and annoying injuries, he started the friendly tour in Asia against South Korea last March. He scored a goal in a 2-2 draw and left with physical ailments that made it difficult for him to maintain playing minutes in the Greek League.

Lorenzo was composed. If he comes, play. The “10” left Europe amid a struggle with the leaders, which James himself explained, and returned to South America to shine near his team. came to Sao PauloThe Brazilian giant tried to respond in the best way to the hand extended to him by the coach. The start of the playoffs found him adjusting to the new team. He spent four months without competing and his physical preparation took some time.

He joined the first call in September as a replacement. Substituted Jun Arias for the last 15 minutes against Venezuela in Barranquilla. An extra half hour to keep possession in the 0-0 draw against Chile in Santiago. He accepted it with all humility.

He became one of Sao Paulo's key players and returned in October to become captain. The leader's version was shown on tape. He scored a great goalPut in the football that Marcelo Bielsa lauded against Uruguay and all his skill as Quito earned a point against Ecuador.

Although his level rose in the national team, in Brazil it was not all positive when he was on the field. He was flagged for missing a key penalty Against Liga de Quito in CONMEBOL Sudamericana, a match that cost the Brazilians elimination. He also had to miss another twelve-step shot against Fortaleza, which undoubtedly did not go down well with the São Paulo crowd.

As in his entire career, the midfielder has not been without criticism. Players like Luis Fabiano and Lugano “bashed” him for his performance, even labeling him a “problem for the organization”.

In addition, at the end of the year, James left a question mark over his future. Dorival wants to sign him and the board believes his best version will emerge in 2024, a year in which he will face tough international competition. Will you stay?

Undisputed in the national team, he brought brilliance back to his shirt. He finished the year respected by his teammates. “This is my idol, and I respect and admire him very much,” Luis Diaz told him after the victory over Brazil in November. He was the best in the last match against Paraguay in Asuncion. The standard of handling the ball, accurate passes, hitting the post and appreciation from the fans.

FIFA summed up his campaign with Colombia with an article celebrating this comeback. “The rebirth of James Rodriguez, Lorenzo's 'blessing' that went well”Eligible.

In 2024, the revised calendar of Brazilian football awaits with the São Paulo Championship, the Copa do Brasil, and the Brasil and Brasil. Conmebol Libertadores. Many games maintain this continuity with the tricolor. He knows Lorenzo's conditions. Its prestige is renewed day after day.