Scouting Report: Ricardo Rodriguez

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In a mere eight days, Ricardo Rodriguez will be lacing up to play one of the most important games of his career, a World Cup opener against Ecuador. He’s played for the national team since 2011, but only recently has he been a key starter. In saying that, at a mere 21 years of age he is in the starting lineup of one of the seeded teams for the World Cup. The reason behind that: a splendid season for The Wolves in the Bundesliga. The left back has been very consistent all season and impressed all Wolfsburg and avid Bundesliga fans alike. Now, what makes Rodriguez stand above the rest?

He, unlike some full backs, is comfortable attacking and defending, and he does it well. He knows when to cover space to support either Naldo or Robin Knoche in central defense, and when to overlap Ivan Perisic to swing crosses, which happens to be one of his best traits. He is an adept tackler, making 3.1 tackles a game, and remarkably for a full back, he is only dribbled past 0.8 times a game. He is also a weapon in the final third of the pitch making a whopping 2.3 key passes a game and making 2.6 dribbles a game. His 5 goals and 9 assists bring testament to the fact that he isn’t a player you want to defend against, especially on the wing. He also happens to be pretty good at free-kicks and set-pieces, another quality which makes him so valuable in a player. He has played all 34 games this season for Wolfsburg, he has plenty of stamina to last even the most grueling seasons. Now remember he is a defender, many midfielders don’t bring up these kind of numbers or have this many abilities in the game.

Recently he’s been linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool, but Wolfsburg want him to sign a new contract. All he’s probably thinking is playing in Brazil, but that won’t stop the rumor mill. He is valued by Wolfsburg to be around €15 to 20 million. He would be a great addition to any side needing a capable defender, but he also has great potential. He has had a great season at 21, imagine what a few years of experience might do for him. He could have also peaked early, but that isn’t any fun for the imagination now, is it? Wolfsburg have unearthed a gem and they should keep him, their large wealth should help them offer the Swiss international an extended contract.