Liverpool’s quest for an answer to their midfield conundrum continues. The Reds took a punt on a loan move for Arthur Melo, but with the Brazilian now set for a prolonged spell on the side-lines he is unlikely to contribute too much this season.
And so, attention will turn to the January transfer window. If Liverpool can not attain their primary target(s) at the next opportunity, is there someone else they can sign who meets their requirements for the second half of 2022/23?
Both they and their cousins at Everton are being linked with a move for Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez. Similar rumours did the rounds ahead of last season too, so this appears to be a link that refuses to fade away entirely.
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola makes major Liverpool claim after ruling out three City players
READ MORE: What Jurgen Klopp didn't reveal in press conference as Haaland admission made
As the Argentine international (and 2021 Copa America champion) turns 29 shortly before the end of this season, he wouldn’t necessarily be a long-term solution. However, as he is out of contract in 2024 and reportedly earning £44k per week ( per FBRef ), any move for Rodriguez would not carry a significant financial risk.
He recently came to attention for scoring an excellent long-range goal against Roma in the Europa League. Such strikes are exceptions rather than normal, as his record of three goals in 88 La Liga matches illustrates.
Nonetheless, Rodriguez carries a good threat on set pieces. Per Understat, every league shot he has taken from closer than the penalty spot for Betis has been in a set play situation. Whether in the opposition box or defending their own, having a player who is good in the air is an asset, and Rodriguez’ 61 per cent aerial duel success rate in Spain suggests that he is.
His main strengths lies in his defending though. Simply put, his statistics are remarkable and particularly for a team which has finished in the top six in each of the last two seasons.
Rodriguez is currently ranked 10 th in La Liga for pressures in 2022/23 and was also in the leading dectet for the past two campaigns. This immediately suggests he has the intensity required to play for a Jurgen Klopp side. Having only failed to appear in 10 league games since the summer of 2020, the Argentine also looks to have the durability which the Reds’ midfield so desperately needs.
While a little further down the tackle and interception standings this year, the former River Plate midfielder has appeared in the top three for both metrics during his time in Spain. In 2020/21, he was one of only three players who were in the top 12 for both combined tackles and interceptions as well as pressures across Europe’s big five leagues.
He’s not a regular dribbler by any means, but Rodriguez appears to get the job done when he tries – ranking in La Liga’s top seven for dribble completion rate in each of the last three seasons – and though it’s a small sample, indications are he’s added through balls to his game too. Statsbomb’s data suggests Wilfred Ndidi and Yves Bissouma are among the players to whom he is most similar, and both have been linked with the Reds in the past. Rodriguez would clearly be joining to provide competition for Fabinho if he were to join Liverpool, and after the Brazilian’s performances this season, many would consider that a good thing.
The Reds had success with an Argentine called Rodriguez whom they signed from Spain once before. Guido might not be following in Maxi’s footsteps running down the wing to score hattricks, but he could add some fresh combativeness to the Reds’ midfield. Right now, that’s what they need more than arguably anything.
READ NEXT:
- Jurgen Klopp hints at Mohamed Salah change and Man City message he's told Liverpool squad
- What Jurgen Klopp didn't reveal in press conference as Haaland admission made
- Pep Guardiola makes major Liverpool claim after ruling out three City players
- Jurgen Klopp has just hinted at how Liverpool could resolve a major Mohamed Salah issue
- Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane 'cried like a kid' after completing transfer
