Carlos Bacca is confident that James Rodriguez will overcome his recent difficulties at Real Madrid, but urged the club to give him the support he needs.
After joining Madrid for €80 million in July 2014, James scored 17 goals in all competitions during his first season, but has been unable to replicate those fine performances this year.
The 24-year-old has only started 13 of his team s 31 La Liga games under Rafael Benitez and replacement Zinedine Zidane, while also facing criticism for off-pitch issues.
James was an unused substitute in the 2-1 El Clasico win over Barcelona last Saturday, but Bacca has little doubt his compatriot will eventually come good and become a key figure at Santiago Bernabeu again.
I think James is looking good, the AC Milan striker told FIFA.
A player needs his club to show confidence in him. In his first season, which is the hardest, he did really well.
Now, after a change of coach and working methods, it s not gone as well and he s come in for some criticism. But with the mentality he has, his football ability and his quality, he s going to achieve big things.
Bacca has netted 16 goals in 35 appearances since joining Milan from Sevilla, but he stressed his move to Serie A has not been easy.
He continued: It s been quite difficult for a striker, Italian football is tough.
For a striker here, it s difficult to stand out just in attacking terms, just in terms of goals. Here, a striker has a lot more work to do tactically, in supporting other areas of the team s play. But I was really excited about coming and playing in Italy and I m enjoying every day of it.
The coaching staff have put faith in me, my team-mates have helped me a lot and the club has made things easier for me. Bit by bit the results are coming.
