Yepes: James can challenge Cristiano, Messi

No-one could dispute that 2014 has been a memorable year for Colombian football. First came a fine performance from Los Cafeteros in reaching the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup Brazil™, then James Rodriguez was awarded the adidas Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer and, most recently, the same player has earned a place on the 23-man shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2014,according to FIFA.com.

 Mario Yepes, Colombia captain since 2011 and their second most capped player of all time, is one of those supporting Rodriguez’s bid for glory at the upcoming Gala, which will take place on 12 January 2015 at the Zurich Kongresshaus.

“Can James compete with Cristiano Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi for the Ballon d’Or? I’m sure that given what he achieved at the World Cup, he’s got what it takes to challenge them,” the veteran centre-back told FIFA.com.

“He did really well in Brazil,” Yepes continued. “James finished top scorer and had a great World Cup. He’s also showing that he was signed by Real Madrid on merit and has tons of potential. Let’s hope he can push them (Ronaldo and Messi) all the way, and why not?”

He’s a lad with incredible vision, great mobility and so much composure it’s like he’s playing at a different tempo.

Rodriguez’s senior national-team debut came back in October 2011 in Colombia’s opening game of South American Zone qualifying for Brazil 2014, putting in an eye-catching performance in Los Cafeteros’ historic 2-1 win away to Bolivia. And though Yepes himself had to sit out that encounter due to a muscular problem, since then he has had plenty of opportunities to enjoy the gifted No10 first-hand.

“He’s a lad with incredible vision, great mobility and so much composure it’s like he’s playing at a different tempo, but it’s just the way he plays,” said Yepes. “When the ball’s on its way to him he already knows what he’s going to do, way before anybody else does. That makes such a difference in football and is particularly important in the position he plays. Compared to a normal player, he knows what he’s going to do much earlier.”

The veteran central defender, who has over 20 years’ experience in the pro game – 13 of which came in Europe – is thus also well-placed to give his verdict on Ronaldo and Messi’s claims to the Ballon d’Or throne. “Those guys are monsters, two phenomenon’s, but they’ve got different characteristics and play in a different position [to Rodriguez]. They’re more about scoring goals, about turning a game. They run with the ball, they’re decisive and they score lots of a goals per season. But, like I said, James has this style of play, this tempo, which sets him apart from them.”

So, who would Yepes vote for? Does he view his countryman as a worthy winner? “I’d vote for him! If I get the chance then I’ll vote for him,” said the 38-year-old, without a moment’s hesitation.

And finally, does the well-travelled stopper, who has not been selected by Colombia since the World Cup and a few weeks ago signed for Argentina’s San Lorenzo, see any chance that a defensive player might end up bringing home the Ballon d’Or? “I think it’s very unlikely! When you’re up against players scoring 60 goals a year, it’s very difficult.”

M.D