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A Whopping £65m Could Go Down The Drain For Liverpool – Klopp Should Avoid Doing This Transfer Blunder

James Rodriguez

James Rodriguez Is Not The Player Who Liverpool Need In Their Team

James Rodriguez made waves when he joined Real Madrid after a successful summer with Colombia National team back in 2014. He was expected to walk into the Real Madrid lineup but somehow, things have not worked out for him at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Latest reports have emerged, linking James Rodriguez with a move to Premier League top-four challengers Liverpool.

The Colombian international has become a bit-part player for Real over the past two seasons and as a result, it is believed that he has grown frustrated and disillusioned with life at Santiago Bernabeu.

There are no short of suitors for James, with the entire footballing community aware of his great abilities. Now, Liverpool seem to have joined the list of interested parties as well for his signature. According to reports, the Reds will need to shell out a whopping £65-million if they are to land the Colombia captain.

The 25-year old has made just 24 appearances this season across all competitions for the Los Blancos and has started just 7 games in La Liga. James has managed to find the back of the net 5 times and has also set up 12 goals for his teammates this term. He has impressed each time he has been called upon by Zidane but hasn’t managed to break into the playing XI on a consistent basis.

He might have impressed everyone in the few opportunities that have come his way and he may be is a world class player. However, he is not the answer for Liverpool.

The Contrasting Styles Of Play

Liverpool are known for their high tempo, heavy metal gegenpressing style of football under the regime of Jurgen Klopp and Rodriguez will struggle to settle into such a system. He lacks the intensity and the defensive contribution that Klopp demands from each and every one of his squad members.

Also, the question of where he would fit in the team is another factor that Liverpool need to consider. There is no way that James can come in and replace Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho, and replicate the level of intensity and performances that the two have shown on the flanks.

While James can operate in a midfield role as well, it is hard to see him bring in the energy and the work-rate that someone like Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum bring to the table. The Colombian is best suited as a No.10 who sits in the space between the midfield and the defensive lines of the opponents and pulls the strings. However, it doesn’t seem like the best fit given the way Liverpool operate.

James As Plan B? Not A Great Idea

Liverpool have often been criticized this season for a lack of plan B. Their one-dimensional approach to games, irrespective of the type of opponents has hurt them against the lesser sides like Swansea City, Leicester City and so many other smaller teams.

Rodriguez could provide them with that alternate dimension in their attack. His ability to unlock defences with his exemplary vision could prove to be the key to the Reds’ fortunes in the coming seasons. But that would mean a change in style of play at the club and also a change in the tactical setup to accommodate him in the line-up. However, the amount of money that Liverpool would spend to sign Rodriguez would not be feasible if he is going to be used as a Plan B.

The Verdict

Factoring in the exorbitant wages that he will demand, Liverpool will be much better served by investing funds on other targets, who fit the style and philosophy in place at the club right now.

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