Former Colombia international Faustino Asprilla has demanded respect for troubled Real Madrid star James Rodriguez.

James, who arrived at Real in a €80-million mega-deal from Monaco back in 2014, has fallen out of favour with the side following struggles with injury and poor last season.

Now on the periphery of the first team, Asprilla has demanded James be given the respect he deserves and has stressed the star will need more game time if he is to recover his best form for Los Blancos.

‘If today he has not been able to demonstrate his quality, it is because the coach does not have him in his plans,’Asprilla told Onda Cero.

‘He is giving him very few minutes, and it is always a different thing if James goes out, or he doesn’t, or he goes out with his wife, or he doesn’t, or what he’s going to eat. These are extra things that don’t do anybody any good.’

Asprilla has pointed to James’ form under Carlo Ancelotti has an example of the star’s quality when given enough minutes.

‘We are talking about the top goalscorer from the last World Cup. One has to have a bit of patience and respect,’ he concluded.

Real are next in action when they face Celta Vigo at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 20:15.