Everton won and suffered: so they were able to defeat 1-2 at Leeds United, this Wednesday in the 22nd round of the Premier League. Gilfy Sigurdsson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the goals for the ‘toffees’, with the presence of 90 minutes from Colombian Yerry Mina. However, the other coffee player, James Rodríguez, had no minutes and watched the match from the bench; although the local pressed and struggled to tie the compromise.
The absence of the ’19’, featured in the last games of Everton, surprised many. Even on social media fans were asking him to come in to cool off a hot and tricky match. But Carlo Ancelotti decided not to take it into account and protect it. What happened?
There are two compelling reasons for James not to play on this Premier League date. The first was because in the last game, against Newcastle, the Colombian was severely punished by his rivals; they beat him and did not let him shine. Thus, it was necessary to protect the talented, as he has just recovered from a long injury.
However, the main reason James didn’t have minutes against Leeds was to take care of him and have him at 100% for Everton’s next game – this Saturday 6 February, Everton visit Manchester United at Old Trafford, for the 23rd day of the English League. A very important duel, for the greatness of the rival, but especially because joining the track of the ‘red devils’ could be essential this season, in order to qualify for a continental tournament at the end of the campaign.
The engagement will be at 3pm, and James Rodriguez hopes to be a starter, as will Yerry Mina, to curb the Premier League second.