Faustino Asprilla: Ronaldo changing James Rodriguez for the worse

Former Colombia striker Faustino Asprilla says Cristiano Ronaldo is having a negative impact on James Rodriguez, noticeable through the Los Cafeteros captain's body language on the pitch.

"He now has the same gestures as Ronaldo when he doesn't get the ball," Asprilla told ESPN Deportes, as reported by ESPN's Dermot Corrigan.

"Ronaldo makes gestures at everyone when he doesn't get the ball, and James is doing the same with Colombia."

Colombia suffered a 3-0 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualification action earlier this week and Asprilla was not impressed with the apparent negativity coursing through Rodriguez.

"In another team, he would get a slap," Asprilla said. "In my team nobody would have stood for it."

The retired international described one moment in the match when Rodriguez was visibly upset with teammate Eder Balanta, throwing his arms in the air in protest for not receiving the ball.

"Everyone can have disagreements with their teammates, but to make such gestures when they do not pass you ball is the ugliest thing a player can do," Asprilla said. "It is what Cristiano Ronaldo does every week."

Ronaldo and Rodriguez, who've played together at Real Madrid since 2014, with reunite this Saturday in the Madrid derby at the Vicente Calderon after spending close to three weeks apart on international duty.