Gary Neville proven right on James Rodriguez change to Everton mentality

So far, so good. Gary Neville’s words when Everton signed James Rodriguez from Real Madrid were hopeful but time has proven them right.

The former Valencia flop said that James could change the culture and mentality of Everton, and so far he’s been proven right.

The Toffees are top of the Premier League with four wins from four games and head into the Merseyside derby against Liverpool at the weekend three points ahead of their neighbours.

“James Rodriguez for Everton, I think everyone wants to see how he does in the Premier League,” said Neville previously.

“I think we’ve seen players who have had sensational World Cups, played at Real Madrid and you know they have got a huge talent.

"At least [Everton] are buying a big name. They have got a big name manager and a few big name players, and (that should) change the mentality and culture of a club that has really struggled to walk into a big match anywhere it would seem for years and years and feel like they belong.

“James Rodriguez is not going to go out there and feel like he doesn't belong on this occasion.

"He has played for Real Madrid, in World Cups, he played for Bayern Munich.

“For me, I think it is about the mentality shift that Everton have needed to make. Signing young players is great, we know they have got some good young players.

"But are they going to do it on their own? No.”