Sky Sports Scout is where we scour the globe looking for the best talent, next up is James Rodriguez.
We run the rule over Colombian starlet James Rodriguez
Sky Sports Scout is our exciting feature where we scour the globe looking out for the best talent and bring you a report on what we find.
Our Scout will report back and you can comment on what you think of our appraisal.
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Latest under our scout's gaze is Porto's
James Rodriguez - recommended by
Sky Sports reader
Jason Marshall.
The scout reports...
James Rodriguez is one of the most requested scout profiles in recent times, having seen him move to Porto in the summer, the scout now takes his chance to check on the youngster.
The 19-year-old wide-man, who could also play anywhere in attack, has long been heralded as one of South America's finest young prospects.
The Colombian began his career at the tender age of 14, when he debuted in the first team for Enivgado.
Within two years he was spotted by Argentine club Banfield, who snapped him up. At just 17 he emerged into their first team and became the youngest ever foreign debutant to play in Argentine football.
By 2009, Rodriguez - still only 18 - was a first-team regular, mainly on the left flank but often given a free role. He also proved he had more than an eye for goal with a number of exquisite finishes.
He helped Banfield win the 2009 Apertura championship, which meant they would participate in the Copa Libertadores - and it was in South America's showpiece club tournament that he excelled earlier this year, scoring five goals and finishing as one of the top scorers as his side reached the last 16.
As expected, Rodriguez moved this summer and it was thought Italian side Udinese - who have an excellent record of grabbing some of South America's best talent - had again beaten Europe's elite to the punch.
But instead, Portuguese giants Porto struck a deal for 70 per cent of the player, paying nearly £5million for the rights.
Rodriguez has not made an immediate impact at Porto as he has taken time to settle into European life, and it was widely expected he may be loaned out in January with a number of Spanish clubs keen.
And, although that still may be the case, Rodriguez has now started to see some action under Andre Villas Boas, and he could yet play a major role for the Dragons this season.
Villas Boas enjoys playing an attractive brand of football, so it is little surprise that Rodriguez has worked his way into his thinking.
Rodriguez has wonderful skill and a left foot as good as you will see. The Portuguese press has been quick to liken him to their own Cristiano Ronaldo, but he is perhaps not as attack minded as the Real Madrid ace, and indeed his mannerisms are very much more in keeping with Lionel Messi with his lower centre of gravity and willingness to attack from any angle.
The scout says...
Rodriguez really is a phenomenal talent and, once he has finished playing for Colombia's youth side, will be quickly accelerated into the full national side - but the hope is that he will lead his country to glory in the 2011 World Under-20 Championships, which will be hosted by Colombia.
The Scout rating...
Shooting: 8 out of 10
Passing: 8 out of 10
Tackling: 5 out of 10
Heading: 5 out of 10
Pace: 8 out of 10
Vision: 8 out of 10
Current ability: 7 out of 10
Potential ability: 10 out of 10
OVERALL SCOUT RATING: 55/80
Current value: £5million
Potential value: £15million
Your opinion...
You have read our opinion of James Rodriguez - now we want your views. Have you seen Rodriguez in action? Do you agree with our assessment? Do you think he will make it?
Get in touch, either using the form below, email or the scout's all new Twitter feed - @skysportsscout
And if you have spotted anyone you think we should feature then please get in touch using the same form. We will look to send out the Scout to follow up your leads.
