EXCLUSIVE: Rene Higuita Comes to James Rodriguez’s Defence: ‘He Has No Obligation to Prove His Talent’

On September 6, the ‘Scorpion’ will celebrate his 31st birthday. Coincidentally, it marks the anniversary of Higuita’s famous acrobatic save against England back in 1996, a moment that has become legendary in the football world, reflecting his revolutionary approach to the role of a goalkeeper.

Here’s what he had to say regarding Nestor Lorenzo and the potential role of James Rodriguez in the squad.

Colombia National Team: Nestor Lorenzo and the Significance of James Rodriguez

What are your thoughts on Colombia’s identity and confidence at the moment?

“Here in Colombia, we’re feeling quite optimistic about our national team. Although the recent losses to France and Croatia were disappointing, we remain aware of our team’s abilities and strengths.”

How did you view the performances against France and Croatia? Considering the prestige of these two sides, how would you assess those matches?

“We faced two formidable opponents that showcased our team’s potential. Unfortunately, we didn’t perform at our best. Nonetheless, our faith in the national team and our coach persists. After results like these, discussions inevitably arise about the coach’s position, which has also been the case with Nestor Lorenzo in Colombia.”

How do you assess the current scenario surrounding the Argentinian coach?

“I believe the process goes through different phases: the matches, the qualifications, and, of course, the World Cup. It’s a fresh start, and the experience our national team carries is a valuable asset.

“As former players and fans, we aim to provide constructive feedback to support the national team. Our goal is to promote unity rather than spark controversy, all in favour of our national team.”

The same chatter arose regarding James Rodriguez after the friendlies in March. What’s your stance on this?

“Oh dear! We’re discussing James here. He is a crucial asset for our national team, and his quality speaks for itself. He’s currently under scrutiny for not getting enough minutes with his club (Minnesota United).

“Conversely, Diaz is facing criticism for playing more regularly. So, who is really being listened to here? It’s important to remain respectful. We just need to be patient… there are reasons why certain players are included or omitted from the national team. Ultimately, the selection aims to include those who can contribute to our success.”

And what about Luis Diaz? He’s currently experiencing significant success in Europe and recently scored against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. In terms of leadership, how do you view Diaz’s role, and who do you consider to be the leader of this national squad?

“Our national team boasts numerous leaders. Every position has individuals with a wealth of experience. From this standpoint, we must trust our pilot, the one steering the ship, which is Lorenzo.

“If we see that Luis Díaz is the one performing at a high level, we should aim to leverage that player who can decisively influence matches. It places our coach in a challenging position.”

Given your extensive knowledge of the position and your experience in a World Cup, how would you assess Colombia’s goalkeeping?

“Colombia has a solid pool of goalkeepers. There’s Alvaro Montero, David Ospina, Camilo Vargas, and Kevin Mier, among others. We can be confident in the depth we have in this area, and we can sleep easy knowing we have capable keepers in our national setup.”

The World Cup: Contenders and New Football Regulations

Let’s discuss the World Cup: who do you see as the main contenders?

“There are a few strong contenders. As we watch the Champions League, it’s clear that many talented players are emerging. We can’t overlook the likes of Argentina, who claimed the title in Qatar 2022; France, Germany, Spain, Brazil, and even Uruguay could spring a surprise.

“And I hold a lot of faith in the Colombian national team.”

If you had to make a prediction for the champion, who would you choose?

“It’s a tough call because I’d always back my Colombian team; I won’t bet against them. If I had to pick a runner-up, I would go with France.”

Who are your favourite goalkeepers currently playing?

“Well, there’s Manuel Neuer, who has shown immense quality recently against Real Madrid; I have great respect for Thibaut Courtois as well. As for me, the best goalkeeper at the moment would be ‘Dibu’ Martinez.”

Is there a current goalkeeper whose style resembles yours?

“The role of the goalkeeper is vital; we provide crucial support for the team. The evolution of football has led to goalkeepers having more involvement based on the game’s conditions. If a goalkeeper lacks the technical expertise, they won’t take unnecessary risks at the beginning of the match. In pressing situations, they need to hold onto the ball and clear it effectively.

“We’ve seen changes in formations, too. While we started with five defenders, it’s evolved from a back four with a sweeper to sometimes even a three-man backline relying on strikers who can also drop back. Keeping a clean sheet remains the ultimate goal.”

Football is continually changing, with new regulations like hydration breaks and a five-second rule for restarts. What’s your perspective on these recent implementations?

“All these changes aimed at improving football are welcome. It’s great to have referees with a firm stance. It’s beneficial when they’re able to maintain the flow of the game without interference. When they need to be assertive, they can be, which promotes loyalty among players during the matches—exactly what we’re looking for to enhance the pace of the game.”