HE IS THE MAN ARSENAL NEEDS....

 
Ricardo Rodriguez got off to a winning start for Switzerland at Euro 2016, following weeks of speculation linking him with a transfer to Arsenal.
The Wolfsburg left-back played 90 minutes for his national side as they overcame ten-man Albania in their first game of Group A.
And if he’s got winning a big move in the back of his mind at this tournament, he’s done himself no harm this afternoon.
Here’s our scout report on Rodriguez from his first game at the Euros…

What he did well

While it wasn’t the most convincing performance all round from the Swiss, it’s easy to see why Rodriguez is so highly rated. Left-backs don’t often stand out in matches unless they’re something special, but the 23-year-old really caught the eye.

Rodriguez stats v Albania

Shots 1
Dribbles 1
Pass success 82%
Tackles 6

It was a bright start from Rodriguez, as his superb wing play helped set up the opening goal in the first five minutes. Showing great touch and skill to beat his opposite full-back, the wide-man got a cross in that eventually led to a corner.
As a result, Xherdan Shaqiri then set up Fabian Schar for the opener. And while 1-0 against Albania is far from the most impressive scoreline, it proved to be enough for a crucial three points.
Rodriguez continued to show himself to be a threat going forward throughout the game. And unlike many attack-minded full-backs, his game isn’t just about pace and crossing on the overlap – he likes to drift centrally, showing great composure and awareness to create chances that his team-mates couldn’t take on the day.

Ricardo Rodriguez used every chance to get forward for Switzerland (Picture: Getty)

What he did badly

Of course, for one so inclined to bomb forward, Rodriguez is not without his faults, and he did seem a little too advanced on more than one occasion, with many of Albania’s most dangerous attacks coming on his side.
He was also lucky to get away without a card for a rash challenge in the first half, charging into a player in the opponent’s half when there was little to no danger. While many Arsenal fans would love players with more battling qualities, he might need to keep his cool a bit more if he is to become the elite full-back he’s capable of being.

What the future holds

Rodriguez himself has said it’s ‘unrealistic’ that he’ll still be at Wolfsburg next season, but where could he end up?

Rodriguez career snap shot

Age 23
Appearances 240
Goals 22
Trophies 3

Arsenal have reportedly shown the strongest interest in the defender, but he has previously caught the eye of other top clubs such as Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Although Kieran Gibbs is likely to be leaving, it remains to be seen if Arsenal would really pay big money to sign a left-back when they already have the highly dependable Nacho Monreal as first choice in that position.
Still, it has been revealed that Rodriguez has a release clause in his contract, thought to be worth around £18million or £20million, depending on the source. In the modern game, that’s not too bad for such a proven player, and Arsenal would be wise to show that bit of ambition to push the deal through.
The Gunners will just have to hope the likes of United and Real Madrid don’t also decide they need a big-name signing at left-back as well this summer.

Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2016/06/11/ricardo-rodriguez-scout-report-with-arsenal-transfer-target-on-form-for-switzerland-5938378/#ixzz4BRWZHKg5