Rene Higuita says that tiredness is behind Colombia star James Rodriguez's subdued performances at the Copa America so far.
James, who scored six times at last summer's World Cup and sealed an €80 million move to La Liga giants Real Madrid, has yet to find the net as Colombia progressed to the last eight scoring just once in three group games.
Speaking ahead of Friday's Copa America quarterfinal against Argentina at the Estadio Sausalito in Vina del Mar, Colombia legend Higuita said that for him it looked like James was exhausted after the long European season.
"A player also needs a rest, and he has not had one, so he is more tired," the former goalkeeper said. "That is my opinion, I do not know what James thinks. We are not machines and the players at European clubs have not had a break. The fans do not understand that."
After a summer cut short by his World Cup exertions, James made 44 appearances in all competitions for Madrid last season, while being fielded in a new box-to-box midfield position which required him to put in a shift defensively and also be an attacking threat.
He suffered two different muscle injuries which kept him out of action for over a month, but once fit again was brought straight back into the team by then-Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti.