James Rodríguez, captain of the Colombia national team, has not played a single official minute since the World Cup and remains without a club. Experts like Jorge Luis Pinto question his call-up for the September and October friendlies, arguing that his lack of recent competition does not justify his inclusion. Pinto, who already questioned his performance after the World Cup, considers his continued presence in the team unjustified and that his call-up would be 'absurd'.
The debate centers on whether the national team should prioritize players with competitive form for the friendlies, which are presented as an opportunity to evaluate alternatives. Harold Lozano, a former world champion, defends his presence only if he is physically prepared, but highlights that his lack of football activity makes him insufficient for a call-up. Hernán Torres, on the other hand, acknowledges his talent but emphasizes that soccer at the national level requires players to be in competitive condition immediately.
The national team seeks a turnover in the new cycle, and the friendlies against Mexico, Paraguay, and Peru would be an opportunity to test players like Juan Manuel Rengifo or Miguel Monsalve. The call-up of James, without official minutes since the World Cup, could send a contradictory message to the group, where some players must earn their place through consistent performance. Experts agree that, if James wants to reclaim his place, he must do so first in a club.
