EXCLUSIVE: Rene Higuita backs James Rodriguez: No need for him to prove his talents

On 6 September, the 'Scorpion' will turn 31. It was on that very day back in 1996 that Rene Higuita made his famous acrobatic stop against England, a moment that requires no explanation. The entire football community remembers it well, along with all the ways the Colombian transformed the goalkeeper role.

The iconic ex-Colombia keeper and ambassador chatted with Flashscore about his daring style in goal and his country's recent performances leading up to the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. This comes particularly after challenging losses in their latest warm-up matches versus France and Croatia preparing for the tournament.

Below are his thoughts on the discussions around Nestor Lorenzo's lineup choices and the potential starting spot for James Rodriguez in the team.

Colombia national side: Nestor Lorenzo and the role of James Rodriguez for the tricolour squad

How would you describe Colombias identity and morale?

"Well, in Colombia, we remain highly positive about our national side. Sure, those recent two matches losses to France and Croatia left us disappointed with the results, yet we recognise the quality and potential within our squad."

Share your views on the games against France and Croatia. Considering the strength of those opponents, how do you evaluate the progress in those encounters?

"We faced two strong sides that allowed us to demonstrate Colombias strengths. In reality, they exposed our weaknesses somewhat. Still, we maintain faith in our national team and our manager. Results like these often spark debates about the coach, and Colombia was no different regarding Nestor Lorenzo."

What is your take on the Argentinian managers current position?

"I believe the journey unfolds in phases: the fixtures, the qualifiers, and the World Cup. We begin anew, drawing on the wealth of experience in our national side.

"As former players and supporters, we share our perspectives to back our team. We aim to highlight the positives because reaching that level is tough enough. The goal is not to stir debate but to bring everyone together as a nation in support of our side."

Something similar occurred with James Rodriguez following the March friendlies. What are your thoughts there?

"Oh dear! Regarding James, he is a vital figure in our national side, and his contributions are evident without needing further proof. From knowing him, the criticism stems from his limited playing time at his club (Minnesota United).

"Meanwhile, Diaz faces scrutiny for getting plenty of minutes. So, who truly knows what to believe? Thats why I stay respectful. All we can do is observe decisions on selection for the national side. We all desire, particularly from the coaching staff, to pick players who aid in securing victories."

Another example is Luis Diaz, who is enjoying a strong spell in Europe. He even netted against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu recently. On leadership, how do you assess Luis current form, and who leads this national side?

"Our national team boasts numerous leaders. Each position features someone seasoned and influential. From that foundation, trust must go to the captain at the helm, which is Lorenzo.

"We need to wish for his success. If Luis Diaz stands out with his elite form nowadays, we build around that match-winner. Positioning him effectively poses a real challenge for our manager."

With your deep expertise in the goalkeeper role and your World Cup experience in the colours, how do you rate Colombias options in that area?

"Colombia possesses excellent keepers. We have (Alvaro) Montero, our colleague David Ospina, Camilo Vargas, (Kevin) Mier, (Luis) Marquinez, and even Kevin, whom many overlook but who are developing well and could step up for the national side. Overall, we feel secure. No worries about our goalkeeping department."

The World Cup: favourites and fresh rules in the sport

Directly to the World Cup: who do you tip as contenders?

"Several nations stand out. Watching the Champions League reveals talents from various countries; we cannot discount Argentina, champions from Qatar 2022; nor France, Germany, Spain, Brazil. Uruguay might not seem obvious, but they could surprise.

"I hold great belief in the Colombian national side too."

If forced to wager on a winner, who would you choose?

"It varies, but I would always back my Colombia; I wont go against them. For second place, I pick France."

Which current goalkeepers impress you most?

"Neuer stands out, especially after his display against Real Madrid recently; Courtois is solid in my view, a top keeper. For me though, 'Dibu' Martinez is the finest right now."

Do you spot any current keeper resembling your style?

"The keeper serves as a crucial pillar for the team. Modern football, with its evolving rules and guidelines, demands greater involvement from them, depending on the squads needs or the keepers skills; if lacking technique, why risk it from the back? With pressing intense, better to secure the ball and clear it forward.

"Primarily, the keeper protects the goal. Back in our era, defences had five at the back with a flat four plus a libero or stopper. It shifted to four plus stopper, making the keeper the sweeper. Today, we see threes at times, but forwards drop deep, creating a five-man line. The key remains preventing goals."

The sport evolves constantly. Take the half-time hydration pauses or the five-second restart limit. What is your opinion on these emerging regulations?

"These adjustments benefiting the game are all positive. It helps to have assertive officials too. The crowd sometimes disrupts with boos, but its great when referees stay composed on the field! Firmness ensures players behave, enhancing the flows pace, which is the aim."