Last winter Real Madrid seemed to have the Spanish League title in the bag. The team's offensive prowess, coupled with a sturdy and consistent starting XI, led the team to a 22-game unbeaten run. It looked like an unstoppable force.

Then it all came crashing down. One injury after another immobilized the squad, ultimately leaving the team looking like a shadow of its dominant self.

At the center of the team's great frustrations was the absence of James Rodríguez, who proved to be a major fulcrum to the offense. He finished 2014-15 with 17 goals and 15 assists in all competitions for the team. More importantly, the team had a record of three wins, three losses and one draw in that span, by far its worst stretch in the entire 2014-15 season. In that span, Madrid scored just eight goals, an average of only 1.14 goals per game, was shut out twice, and was limited to one goal or less on four occasions; Madrid did not score more than two goals in a game during that stretch.

It should be no surprise that when Rodríguez returned in early April, the club erupted for nine goals on the evening; Rodríguez bagged two assists on the evening.

He was second on the team in assists behind Cristiano Ronaldo, led the club in key passes per game (by a large margin), was the team's most consistent crosser, and also tied for the lead in through balls per game. He was also third on the team in shots per game and showed a knack for being aggressive defensively.

There is no doubt that he makes Real Madrid a better team offensively. The question however is whether or not he will endure a sophomore slump or continue his ascendancy?

He is only 24, suggesting that his best years are still ahead of him. He was rather disappointing during the Copa America and struggled to establish himself as Colombia scored a total of one goal in four matches. Part of that was Rodríguez playing out of position. He also had to deal with servicing a woeful Radamel Falcao.

The other major question regarding Rodríguez's success for Madrid is where he will actually play. This could determine his success or ultimately be his downfall. For most of 2014-15, Rodríguez rotated between playing on the wing and sitting in the middle of the pitch. He was often given the freedom by coach Carlo Ancelotti to float into the hole behind the attackers, Rodríguez's favorite place to play. From there he could launch clever passes to the forwards, and 15 times this led to goals.

Ancelotti is no longer at Real Madrid, and there are questions about how Rafa Benítez plans to utilize the youngster. The Spaniard's preferred 4-2-3-1 is tailor-made for Rodríguez, as evidenced by Colombia's best moments in the 2014 World Cup. However, Benítez has repeatedly tried to use Gareth Bale in the position to get the best out of the world record signing. The results have been mixed and Rodríguez has shown that he is more capable from that spot. He also has to contend with Isco, who had a terrific preseason for Los Blancos.

The 4-3-3 of Ancelotti allowed for freedom; the 4-2-3-1 is more rigid. If Rodríguez is allowed to play from his favorite spot in the hole, he is going to get the best chance to thrive and succeed in his second year. The Colombian can do damage from the wing in a rigid 4-2-3-1, but will be far less effective and could see his numbers diminish in year two.

Will Rodríguez improve in season two with Real Madrid?