Zidane: I’m very happy with how James is performing

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has praised James Rodriguez following the midfielder’s stellar performance in the 6-0 thrashing of Espanyol on Sunday.

James has struggled for form at times this campaign, but, operating on the right flank, he scored one goal and created another against Espanyol.

Zidane told AS: "I’m very happy with how James is performing."

"He is working very hard and I’m particularly happy with what he is doing off the ball."

"When he’s not in possession, he is doing a great job, and when he’s got the ball, we all know what he can do."

"Overall I was very happy with his performance today."

An excellent distributor of the ball, James has an average pass accuracy of 87% in La Liga this season.

The Colombia international joined Madrid after starring for his country at the 2014 World Cup and was impressive in his debut season at the club.

James has found it difficult to replicate that form this time around and has only found the net on four occasions in La Liga this season.

However, the No.10 has been a frequent source of creativity for Madrid this season, as evidenced by the fact that he has created 40 chances for his teammates in La Liga – the most of any player in Los Blancos’ squad.

Although he is perhaps more effective as an attacking midfielder, James has been used out wide in recent weeks and has impressed there.

Despite their victory this weekend, there is still much work for Real Madrid to attend to if they are to win La Liga this campaign. Zidane’s side are currently in third place in the table and are four points adrift of leaders Barcelona having played a game more.