The ultimate wingman: How Juan Cuadrado is helping James shine in Brazil
The specialist in dribbling is a poker player who bluffs with his entire body - Jorge Valdano
James Rodriguez has been the best player at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Arjen Robben will dispute that, and Lionel Messi will disagree in the same reserved, almost sheepish manner with which he seems to do everything else. That doesn’t make it any less true.
Five goals, two in particular being of the spectacular variety, and the 22-year-old is the name on everyone’s lips as the frontrunner for the Golden Ball. He’s more than earned every bit of attention he’s garnering at the moment.
Like a good wingman, Juan Cuadrado is revelling in his friend’s success.
"[James] is a great player, a phenomenon as they say here, who brings a lot to the national team," Cuadrado recently said in an interview with FIFA. "He has shown his style really well. I believe that the support he has from all of his teammates has helped him relax and given him the confidence he needs to show his best. He can do something big in any moment because we know he is a phenomenon."
The Fiorentina man — who sports one of the most distinctive hairstyles in a tournament defined by extravagant hair follicles — is James’ primary support system, at least on the pitch.
A throwback of sorts in that he’s a right-footed player actually deployed by his manager on the right side, Cuadrado is at his best when he is running at fullbacks, looking to beat his man and get the ball into the box for a teammate.
More often than not, that teammate has been Rodriguez. Of the five goals scored by the lefty, three have been set up by the skinny winger. Cuadrado leads the tournament with four helpers.
[Courtesy: Reuters]
If James’ moments of brilliance have put an exclamation mark on Los Cafeteros’ impressive journey thus far, Cuadrado’s surging runs up and down the flanks have been the underlying theme of their story.
But speed alone does not a great winger make. Trickery, elusiveness and the ability to actually make good on the space you’ve created with a final pass are all necessary traits.
Check, check, and check.
Creative as he is fast, the native of a tiny coastal town named Necocli has continued to showcase the dribbling skills that have made him one of the most dangerous players in Serie A. Coming off a campaign that saw him complete 118 dribbles, a full 19 more than the player with the second-highest total (Juan Iturbe), Cuadrado has not been shy about showcasing those skills in Brazil.
James Horncastle’s description of the 26-year-old, and players of his ilk, is perfect, in saying that they do the following to opposing defenders:
“... send you one way, the wrong way, and betray you as the dribbler then goes the other every time and leaves you looking foolish. The dribbler is a con artist. He can sell you anything. He is a dancer too. Just look at Cuadrado's part in Colombia's goal celebrations.”
He’s been an expert salesman for the past three weeks, convincing José Holebas, Yuto Nagatomo, Arthur Boka and Alvaro Pereira to buy the lies he sells with his shifty hips and quick feet (Shakira would be proud).
The world has taken notice.
Initially rumored to be the subject of a transfer bid from Barcelona before the tournament began, Premier League clubs are now looking to buy in, with the latest reports suggesting Manchester United are preparing a £32 million offerfor his services.
Whether he ends up at Old Trafford or elsewhere, somebody is eventually going to go all-in on the Colombian, and they’re going to hit the jackpot.
The wingman has put in his time. It’s his turn to be the object of our affection.