Reports suggest that Tottenham Hotspur will make a dramatic late approach for Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez but perhaps his Saints strike-partner would be better suited.
Mauricio Pochettino transformed Jay Rodriguez into one of the Premier League’s most feared strikers, and an England international to boot, during their successful Southampton double act and, according to The Sun, the Argentine wants to reunite with his old apprentice at White Hart Lane.
The publication adds that the former Burnley frontman has held talks with The Saints hierarchy to discuss his future in Claude Puel’s plans.
Rodriguez may have enjoyed a prolonged period in the Southampton side but, the fact is, if Charlie Austin had not been ruled out with an injury then it’s more than likely that the 27-year-old would still be third in a three-man pecking order.
And, barring a recent burst of form, Rodriguez is not the same versatile, speedy, clinical striker Pochettino nurtured at St Mary’s. He is still yet to get back to his esteemed best after suffering a knee injury at his peak in April 2014.
In fact, there’s an argument to be made that his team-mate, the spirited Irish terrier Shane Long, would be better suited to Pochettino’s modern day Spurs.
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Though far from a clinical striker, 44 goals in 274 Premier League games speaks for itself, there’s far more to the former West Brom striker’s game than nestling the ball in the onion bag. He is a wind-up bundle of energy and tenacity, a player capable of hounding opponents into errors with his relentless pressing.
In Southampton’s 4-2 triumph over Manchester City last season for instance, Long single handedly battered the visitor’s defence to pieces. And, as epitomised by his clinical breakaway goal at Anfield to cement Southampton’s place in the EFL Cup final, he can be lethal when the situation requires.
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Therefore, although his statistics look rather forlorn next to those of Harry Kane, the 30-year-old would take little time to slot into Spurs’ high paced, full throttle pressing system. Just don’t expect 20 goals a season.
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