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Nigel Martyn is impressed by the Everton star’s huge impact

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The former Toffees legend had his doubts cleared by Everton’s new signing after a brilliant start to the Premier League season.

Nigel Martyn admired Everton’s new signing James Rodriguez for massively affecting the club’s condition. Martyn, moreover, admitted that he was worried in the initial stage following the arrival of the former Real Madrid midfielder.

Subsequently, Everton invested £22 million to transfer James from the Spanish capital on September 7. This big move ended the Colombian’s six-year spell at Santiago Bernabeu.

James, however, netted 37 goals for Los Blancos in 125 outings. He also managed to win two La Liga titles along with two Champions League trophies. But somehow, the Colombia international tumbled down the hierarchy following his return from a loan spell from Bayern Munich in 2019.

Nevertheless, James did not hesitate to grab a golden opportunity to reunite with his old boss Carlo Ancelotti at Everton. And now, as a result, he has helped the Toffees to reach the top spot on the Premier League table.

James now has three goals and three assists with Everton only in the first six league games. The 29-year-old impressed everyone with a wide range of passing vision in the attacking half of Everton. 

All doubts are cleared.

Nonetheless, Martyn found himself worried at the beginning following James’ transfer to Goodison Park. Although, the in-form midfielder surprised the ex-Everton man.

“The addition of Rodriguez, from the outside, I was a bit pensive,” the former Toffees goalkeeper told HITC. “Great player, great World Cup, going to Real Madrid, perhaps he would have been hoping to go to a bigger club so you often worry about that type of signing.

“The things that I’m looking for is chasing back, lost possession and then didn’t just stay where he was and wait for somebody else to do his work, he was working back as well, which shows he’s keen to find a new home.

“His start has been excellent, he’s created, he’s scored. When he performs, he will be looked up to be those players. That’s been a big impact on the club.”

On the other hand, Martyn also admired another Everton signing of the season. Coming from Serie A side Napoli, Allan created a depth in the midfield area for Ancelotti’s side.

“I like Allan. Goes under the radar but breaks up a lot of play, doing a bit of the Lee Carsley role from my time there!” the Toffees legend added. “They’re the players other players appreciate a heck of a lot, they do a lot of the running, tackling, the nastier side of the game, the selfless running.

“He’s been really good; his passing is decent as well. He’s impressed me quite a lot. Midfield-wise, they look a stronger outfit than they were last year.”

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