"This was a new squad out there and there were many players in the team who didn't have a lot of international experience,” he said.
"Players such as Alfredo Morelos, who can be the future of football in our country.
"He has a lot of talent and has all the qualities needed to be a top player for us.
"Alfredo is young, has had a great season and is a top striker. He was called up ahead of more experienced strikers so that tells you that our manager Carlos Queiroz rates him very highly.
Rangers: Morelos transfer talk is a 'compliment' says Gerrard
Rangers ace Alfredo Morelos in action for Colombia vs Japan (Image: GETTY)
"Of course, he still has a lot to learn, but he seems to be improving all the time and he is going to become an important player for Colombia."
The forward has come on leaps and bounds under the management of Steven Gerrard.
The former Liverpool midfielder faces a fight to keep the star this summer and the comments from Rodriguez will only increase interest in the 22-year-old.
Morelos penned a new four-year contract at Ibrox earlier this month, despite only signing a new deal last September.
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