James finds his place at Real Madrid

From being put up to sale to becoming a 'Galactico' signing, and from being left out of the matchday squad to being one of the first names on the team sheet, James Rodriguez has had some turnaround under Zinedine Zidane in the 2019/20 campaign.

In just a few weeks, the Colombian has used his talent to justify his place in the side, as he proved against Levante on Saturday.

He showed that he can offer vision, passing and attacking threat, the three qualities that are demanded of a No.10.

James is finally in the role that he always wanted in Real Madrid's engine room, the one that he was signed for: as a playmaker.

That's where he showed the form that convinced Real Madrid to sign him after the 2014 World Cup, yet one that his inconsistent form and injury history has prevented him from playing in regularly.

From that influential position, James has been one of the standout figures in both of his fixtures for Zidane this season, where only a lack of accuracy denied him a goal against Real Valladolid.

Up against Levante, he was even more clear in his position and looked more confident, providing the connection between midfield and attack like the director of an orchestra.

In the 95 minutes that he has played to date, 82 percent of his passes have been completed with 53 being successful from 65 attempts, one of them being the assist which set up Karim Benzema to score on Saturday.

James, always looking to attack and set up his team-mates in one or two touch moves, registered three shots in addition to his passing.

"You can tell that he's very good, he gave it all on the pitch with aggression," Zidane said after that fixture.

"He ended the game dead on his feet. I'm delighted for him."

That is just what Zidane demanded from the midfielder: having the aggressive attitude that saw him complete three ball recoveries.

James is shining in the role that he always wanted, despite having to play out wide in Carlo Ancelotti's 4-3-3 in his debut season or as a more rigid central midfielder.

He had to adapt to a side where the BBC - Gareth Bale, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo - trident were untouchable, but he still registered 17 goals and 18 assists.

Under Rafa Benitez, the situation was the same, and even under Zidane once he replaced the former Liverpool coach.

James gambled his future this summer, hoping to prove himself in the Spanish capital, and injuries to others have given him the opportunity to do so in the role that he has always wanted.

Given Luka Modric's age, this role could become a frequent one for the midfielder, which will allow him to finally play where he feels most comfortable.