By sports wirter Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 3 (Xinhua) -- James Rodriguez is a topic Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge loves to talk about ahead of his side's Champions League quarterfinal against FC Sevilla.
While fans talk about star striker Robert Lewandowski's goals or debate the value of Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery or the brilliant unconventionality of Thomas Mueller - it is James who is Bayern's secret weapon.
Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes had good cause to call him "a running machine". With an average of 11.8 kilometers per game, James is one of the German league's best performers. He is not only the link between his team's attack and defense, but James is everywhere.
"He is one of our best transfers in the last few years," Rummenigge commented when praising James' "significant development" since Jupp Heynckes took over as coach.
It was Heynckes who gave the 2014 World Cup top scorer new hope after a difficult start.
Being moved from the flanks to midfield was like a new lease on life for James. "He was not in the best shape when he came here and for the first few months. Now he is of great value," Heynckes said.
Heynckes praises James versatility as he "doesn't shy away from defensive work" and at the same time "can be the man for the incisive/decisive pass."
Heynckes' people skills are well-known and his handling of James is another excellent example - as is the revival of Javi Martinez.
As for the Champions League opponent Sevilla, Heynckes is relying on his Spanish speaking midfielders to do the job. James, he stated, is an expert on Spanish football as is Martinez. "Hardly anyone else knows as much about the Spanish league," said Heynckes when talking about James.
To beat an opponent of Sevilla's class, Heynckes is aware of the need for real experts. "There is no reason to underestimate a team of that quality. Look at their recent 2-2 draw against Barcelona," Rummenigge said.
The Spanish newspaper "Marca" reported Bayern informed James' owners Real Madrid that they were prepared to pay 42 million euros for the midfielder having already paid 13 million in on-loan fees in the past two years.
Rummenigge answers questions about James' future with a broad smile on his face: "We are happy to have him here. Satisfaction couldn't be higher, but there is no reason to hurry."
