Former Bundesliga champion and Bayern Munich ace Sebastian Rode could be on his way to the Premier League with Southampton?
Sebastian Rode was never the most technically gifted footballer in Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Bayern Munich side. But that was not why the Catalan coach signed him.
In two seasons at the Allianz Arena, Rode made just 38 Bundesliga appearances. The diminutive midfielder was far from a regular starter but Guardiola loved him anyway for his commendable attitude and willingness to fill the gaps in whatever position the manager asked of him.
“He is my favourite player in the team,” Guardiola told Bild in 2014.
“He always wants, always wants to improve, does not complain, helps the team and is a great player for me.”
Five years have passed and, for the first time since his trophy-laden Bayern spell, Rode is playing right at the top of his game again. Injuries wrecked his time at Borussia Dortmund but his form and fitness returned at Eintracht Frankfurt, the 28-year-old producing some typically tireless performances to help Adi Hutter’s side cruise into the Europa League semi-finals.
And, according to Sport1, a maiden spell in England is on the cards.
Southampton are interested and, with Dortmund demanding just £4.5 million, director of football Ross Wilson has made an enquiry.
Now, if you want to know just how good a player is, Guardiola is the man to ask. And while Saints fans might be a little underwhelmed by reports linking them with an injury-hit defensive midfielder, they should not overlook the comments of one of the greatest managers in football history.
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