Scouting Report: Will Everton Manager Roberto Martinez Sign Cristian Rodriguez?
Could Atletico Madrid's Uruguayan international Cristian Rodriguez, a 28-year-old, 5'10", 178-pound left winger, be a summer transfer window target for Everton manager Roberto Martinez?
To cover that scenario, this article grades Rodriguez's display against Costa Rica at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and provides a scouting report on his season for Atleti.
Rodriguez vs. Costa Rica Grade: C+
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In a Luis Suarez-less Uruguay team, Rodriguez was expected to shoulder extra responsibilities, but he failed to make inroads into Costa Rica's defence.
Uruguay suffered a 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica, which provided schadenfreude for Brazilians who witnessed the Maracanazo.
Rodriguez repeatedly ran at Costa Rica right wing-back Cristian Gamboa, but the results were 50/50.
| Rodriguez vs. Gamboa | |
| Successful Dribbles | 2 |
| Dribble Attempts | 4 |
| Source: Squawka.com. | |
Rodriguez provided drive and effort on the left wing, but he lacked efficiency.
While he created a shot for Uruguay centre-forwards Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani, Rodriguez gave away the ball 34 percent of the time he attempted a pass.
Atletico Madrid Positives
Rodriguez is stocky and technically proficient, has a sharp turn of pace, relishes taking on opposing players and wins easy free-kicks for his team.
An in-form Rodriguez shows no sign of stopping when he starts his dribble.
He accelerated past Sevilla substitute Israel, feigned to shoot, dribbled past a stagnant Sevilla centre-back Federico Fazio, and slotted the ball past Sevilla goalkeeper Beto.
Rodriguez stared down Real Sociedad right-back Carlos Martinez, dropped his shoulder, and delivered a precise low-cross to then-Atleti (now Fenerbahce) central attacking midfielder Diego Ribas.
When given space, Rodriguez will capitalise, like sending in a cross to create Atleti central attacking midfielder Raul Garcia's goal against Athletic Bilbao.
Atletico Madrid Negatives
Like Adrian Lopez and Jose Sosa, Rodriguez was predominantly an impact sub/bench-warmer.
| League Only (Cristian Rodriguez) | |
| Starting % Games Involved | 10 |
| Subbed On | 18 |
| Unused Sub | 9 |
| Minutes Per Game | 16.6 |
Martinez would be signing Rodriguez on talent, as opposed to form.
Rodriguez spent the past season being a bit-part player, so is he fit enough to start 38 Premier League games?
Bottom Line
Rodriguez had the chance to take apart Costa Rica, yet he did not grab his opportunity.
That said, he has international pedigree, is well-travelled and has the X-factor.
Rodriguez would be a calculated gamble for Martinez, who can add spark to Everton's left wing.
Statistics via WhoScored.com
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