James improving ... but still doesn't convince

No one doubts James Rodríguez's quality, but injuries and a lack of continuity have prevented him from having more importance in Zidane's plans, at least until now. The Colombian wants to leave all this behind him and recover his best level as soon as possible. In the cup against Unionistas, he had a new chance.

Although 'Zizou' didn't want to take too much of a risk with the starting XI, he started James alongside Casemiro and Fede Valverde in midfield. James was playing in the CAM role.

But James didn't find the consistency in the game that he would have liked. He wasn't entirely comfortable, although he did leave some great quality details, such as the lob he hit the post with when Real Madrid were winning 1-0.

He lacked that little bit of intensity and rhythm, something that still needs to be recovered from the Colombian, who has been out for several weeks due to injury. That is the player's main target for the next matches.

Zidane wants him back, but he knows that it is difficult nowadays because they currently have 16 midfielders. Casemiro, Fede, Modric, Isco... the ex Bayern player needs to improve a lot.