The £12 million West Brom paid Southampton for Jay Rodriguez could look like a snip come the end of the season.
When Jay Rodriguez made his England debut back in 2013, no one quite expected him to become a regular for the national team. Having said that, no one quite expected what followed in the following three seasons at Southampton.
He was in danger of becoming what almost all professional football players fear, a tricky quiz question, a one cap wonder who faded into obscurity.
Inter Milan’s Miranda tackles Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez
Last season, the forward returned from his nightmare knee injury, and although it was clear that the former Burnley man wasn’t quite back to his best, he scored five goals from 9 starts in the Premier League. Before Manolo Gabbiadini made the lone striker position his, the now 27-year-old Rodriguez got a few opportunities to play in that position, and it became abundantly clear that his game has evolved.
Gone is the player who does flicks and goes past people, he is now an out and out striker. His first start for West Brom (in a friendly against Leicester City) reiterated exactly that point, and although he made the headlines thanks to his brilliant finish from outside the box, his movement and positioning would have convinced Tony Pulis that it is £12 million well spent.
With Salomón Rondón having a mixed season that started promisingly but limped to a finish, there is a realistic chance that Rodriguez might be the first choice striker next season at West Brom. If he can recapture the form that made Roy Hodgson call him to the national team, he is more than capable of hitting the 15 goal mark.
A player capable of scoring 15 goals a season in the Premier League is an absolute bargain in the current transfer market.
Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez in action with Sparta Prague’s Ondrej Mazuch
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