Ricardo Rodriguez: The left-back who is ideal for Tottenham Hotspur

Ricardo Rodriguez (L)

Earlier this month, there were claims that Tottenham were set to rival Manchester United’s bid to land Everton left-back Leighton Baines.

This shouldn’t have come as a surprise, given Danny Rose is the only recognised left-back Andre Villas-Boas has in his squad following the loaning out of Benoit Assou-Ekotto to Queen’s Park Rangers.

But doing a deal for the talented Englishman is far from simple, as United found out, meaning that Spurs may have to look elsewhere. One good option worth considering is Wolfsburg’s Ricardo Rodriguez.

The 21-year-old joined the German outfit in January 2012 and, but for a short spell on the bench under interim manager Lorenz-Gunther Kostner last season, he has done well as the club’s first-choice left-back.

He has started the current season in fine form despite Wolfsburg’s poor start, earning a Performance Score of 203 points after eight games, a tally which is bettered only by three other team-mates.

Ricardo Rodriguez Duels Won

He is hard-working in defence, currently ranking sixth in the Bundesliga for successful tackles with 24, having attempted 26, an average of 3.3 per game.

An average of 1.4 fouls conceded per game, however, indicates he can be a bit clumsy at times.

In addition, he has made 11 interceptions and an average of 4.1 clearances per game. He is also good in the air, which isn’t too common among modern full-back’s, winning 67% of his headed duels to date.

Going forward he is quite effective, and has continued to prove that this season. He has good pace and likes to take on opponents, completing an average of one take-on per game.

After getting past his man, he is keen to supply the telling cross–and his crossing has been quite good so far. He has attempted an average of 2.3 per game, finding a target with 33% of them. A striker is top of Spurs’ agenda this January. One with height would relish playing with Rodriguez.

The Switzerland international can also take set pieces and, averaging a huge pass length of 25 metres, he likes to play long balls over the top in order to influence attacks, attempting an average of 8.3 per game so far.

But having completed just 51% of these, thus seeing him complete just 77% of his passes in general, it’s best he keep things short and simple.

Overall, the 13 chances he has created is the second-highest among Bundesliga defenders and is the joint-highest of defenders in the English Premier League, who have played one game less.

Given his age, quality, and potential, he would provide stiff competition for Danny Rose, 23, for years to come. Should a move for Baines prove too difficult to complete, then Villas-Boas would be wise to consider Rodriguez.

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