Colombians in Europe: Stock is on the Rise Part 1

The last under 20 world cup was hosted by Colombia left a sour taste in every country men mouth since they were eliminated by Mexico in the quarterfinals match. Colombia were high favorites along sides Brazil. They possessed the talent and winning mentality which showed off during the Toulon Tournament (which is comparable to the Confederation cup). Brazil eventually won the world cup and the fans returned with the ill mentality they have towards the Colombian national teams.

Even though the world cup was a total failure it did open the door of opportunity for some players to get scouted and now are making a name for themselves in top European leagues. In this part 1 I will write about 3 players that stood out the most by being straight edge, hard working, skilled and talented and most importantly giving it their all when they wore the Colombian national team jersey.

1.)  James Rodriguez 

This superstar in the making made his way through the ranks of his childhood team Envigado F.C. Making his professional debut in 2006 at the age of 16. Along sides Giovanni Moreno, helped his team ascend the following year. Rodriguez made himself a name by scoring 20 times in 55 appearances in his first 2 years. He was called up for the under 17 Colombian squad which were runners up.

 At the age of 18 he was shipped out to Argentina where his new team Banfield took notice and started to make a quick impression. Scoring his first goal from 20 yards out. The fans grew quickly on him, immediately started to get high praises from his coach and media calling him such nicknames as James "Bond" to the Colombian Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2010 he made took La Copa Libertadores by storm scoring 5 goals in 7 appearances but quickly his team saw the way out after winning in the quarter final match against Inter. Porto Alegre 3-1 but losing 2-0 and receiving a red card for 2 fouls.

Teams in Europe quickly caught on. In the summer of 2010 with Benfica leading the chase with Udinese but Porto F.C ended up snatching him up under their noses buying him for 5.1 million. Life was easy adjustment for James since he had fellow country men Radamel Falcao and Freddy Guarin. Quickly rising up to the occasion taking over the winger positions which Cebolla Rodriguez and Varela both internationals for their respected countries had locked down. Making his permanent mark on the team with a hat-trick in the 2010 Portuguese cup final.

James Rodriguez was called up to the senior squad for the first time at the age of 20 and has made his position permanent, taking command of the midfield in his first match with a heroic effort against Bolivia. Colombia has never seen a player with such caliber since El Pibe Valderrama. With exceptional vision, dribbling, creativity and maturity. This has made him the main target for Manchester United in this upcoming 2012 summer market.