Scout Report: Ricardo Rodríguez

Ricardo Rodriguez (L) of Wolfsburg is challenged by Julian Austermann of Magdeburg during a friendly match at the MDCC Arena on January 18, 2012 in Magdeburg, Germany. (Getty Images)

Ricardo Rodriguez made headlines in the January transfer window of 2012 after his big money switch to Wolfsburg from FC Zurich for reportedly 8.5 million Euros.

It seemed to be a big amount for an unproven defender but he has since proved his worth and currently has been the cynosure of transfer rumours for the clubs willing to strengthen their left-back position. His consistent performances even fetched him a call to represent his national side.

Profile

Rodriguez is a Swiss footballer who is equally adept at left-back and as a winger. As a part of the youth set up of FC Zurich, he was quick to be a part of the senior squad and eventually saw his way out to Germany. Currently the 20-year-old is being seen as a long term replacement for Ashley Cole at Stamford Bridge.

Style, Strength and Weakness

The key strengths of Rodriquez lie in providing key passes from the deep and inch perfect crosses to the more advanced players, which results in him getting a few assists. His exquisite cross for teammate Ivica Olic against Freiburg that resulted in a goal was a talking point of that game.

He has also distinguished himself as a set-piece expert. His set-piece against Bayern Munich could have resulted in bagging him an assist had Naldo did not put it wide. His role in the equaliser against Hoffenheim through a set-piece was also worth noting.

Given his strong built, he good with his aerial abilities and wins a lot of aerial duels. To add to these characteristics, he is a good dribbler too.

Despite these strengths his major weakness lies in his ball retention abilities and it was seen during the last season that he either miss-passed or lost the ball in key positions that often put his team in trouble. He initially showed weakness in his positional awareness to track back opposition’s advanced players as well.

At only 20, he has shown a lot of promise, and there is no wonder that he is being chased by a number of clubs.

Stats

Rodriguez appeared in 24 Bundesliga games during this season and provided five assists. He was a part of three games in German Cup. Overall, he had a pass completion rate of 80% in all competitions.

Transfer Situation

Rodriguez has been linked to a number of European clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Monaco and Chelsea but has stressed that he wants to stay at the Bundesliga outfit. He is currently valued at 10.8 million Euros.