The Reds and the Gunners both want Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez…
Liverpool and Arsenal are both interested in Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez, and could make an offer for his services in January, reports the Daily Mirror.
The 24-year-old earned his first England call-up for the upcoming friendlies, following good form that has seen his Saints side rise to an extremely impressive third in the table.
Rodriguez is contracted until 2016, and would likely command a transfer fee between £15 and £20m.
Where does he play?
Rodriguez is extremely versatile, and although he used to be an out and out striker, he’s not been deployed as a centre-forward once this season. He’s played four matches from the left, two in a no.10 position, and twice as an inside-forward wide on the right.
Rodriguez’s vital statistics:
In eight starts this term, Rodriguez has scored three times, and assisted one more. For an attacking player his 79% passing accuracy isn’t too bad. He takes 1.8 shots per match, attempts 0.9 dribblers per game, but only averages a very low 18 passes per match.
Is he worth signing?
Like all English footballers who hit a good patch of form, Rodriguez would likely be ludicrously overpriced. With Liverpool already starting Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge up top, with Coutinho playing in the no.10 role just behind, it doesn’t seem like there’s much room for Rodriguez in their starting lineup.
Similarly, Arsenal have attacking midfielders like Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere (to name but a few) competing for positions in the final third. At Arsenal, Rodriguez would probably be bench option, too.
Rodriguez’s highlights:
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