Benitez wants Everton to create Goodison fortress as James deemed 'behind others' | OneFootball

Everton manager Rafa Benitez says James Rodriguez is behind other players after he was left out of Monday's clash with Burnley.

The Toffees were unable to sell James this past summer due to his exorbitant wages.

Asked about the Colombian's absence on Monday, Benitez replied: "It doesn't change too much, we are talking about strikers and wingers.

"Nobody can argue about the quality of James but he is behind the others."

Benitez's side came from behind to claim a 3-1 win over the Clarets at Goodison Park.

And the Spaniard said he was trying to turn the ground into a "fortress" this season.

"It was a good game, very physical. It was not easy but overall we were ok," Benitez said.

"When we scored our goal, we had more confidence, played 4-3-3, created more chances and could have scored more goals.

"Really pleased with the connection between the team and the fans. We are looking to build a fortress here.

"Both Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend have quality and are good pros. They are keen to learn, even Andros at his age. The main thing in this team, everyone said we needed wingers. Today Richarlison did a great job also and the two wingers helped the striker do better.

"Dominic Calvert-Lewin broke his toe, was playing with pain, now he has a problem with his quads and we have to see."