With two goals apiece in the weekend’s fixture at Granada, both Alvaro Morata and James Rodriguez were sending a message to Real Madrid coach, Zinedine Zidane, and putting themselves right in the shop window.
The Frenchman has kept the pair largely in reserve, playing them only if injuries have afflicted his starting XI or if heavy rotation is required.
Those decisions are beginning to look personal more than professional now because both the Colombian and Spaniard have impressed whenever they’ve been afforded the opportunity, Morata more so than James.
Despite playing far less minutes than Karim Benzema the youngster has outscored him, making a mockery of Zidane’s assertion that BBC are untouchable.
Playing your best personnel is normally a pre-requisite but in defining the ‘best,’ surely current form plays a part?
That Los Blancos are relentless in their pursuit of a first double in over 60 years has, to a significant degree, papered over such issues.
The notoriously hard to please Bernabeu faithful aren’t easily fooled, however, and the whistles that are beginning to greet Benzema’s name suggest that they disagree with their coach on this particular issue.
James has also made a recent impact with a late goal in El Clasico — ultimately in vain — and a workaholic performance in Granada.
Overlooked far more than Morata, the need for him to move is obvious. Though the party line from Madrid is that every player is important, his time has realistically been up since the beginning of the season, when a series of misdemeanours saw him fall foul of the club’s hierarchy.
With Premier League clubs circling, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see either move to England and though they’ve been more ‘Plan B’ than ‘Plan A’ for Zidane, they’ll still command a healthy transfer fee.
Somewhere in the region of €70m+ (Dh280m+) would be a reasonable opening offer, though David de Gea is on the verge of a move to Real and Morata could well be used as a makeweight in a deal which is expected to be a world record for a goalkeeper.
James’ most likely destination at this point would appear to be Chelsea and with Los Blancos keen on Eden Hazard, a swap+cash deal could be on the cards there too.
If both English clubs, or any others that may come in with late bids, succeed in getting the deal over the line, they won’t be disappointed.
The players remain hungry, dedicated, decisive and with a point to prove, and where better than the most watched league in the world to showcase your skillset ...
Zidane’s loss is set to very definitely be someone else’s gain.
