On the opening day of their Premier League season, Southampton will travel to Burnley.
Sean Dyche’s side had a very tepid transfer window, but they secured the signatures of four new signings. One of them is surely familiar with Saints fans, as Jay Rodriguez has returned to Burnley from West Bromwich Albion.
Rodriguez joined Southampton in 2012 after the club had won promotion from the Championship. He was an indispensable player under Nigel Adkins and Mauricio Pochettino and was a part of the quartet that received England call-ups alongside Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana.
He spent four more years playing at St Mary’s Stadium before signing for West Brom in the summer of 2017. In total, Rodriguez played in 104 matches for Saints and scored 26 goals, including that stunning volley against Bournemouth in 2016. He continued his prolific form in the Championship after scoring 22 goals in 45 matches.
A modern, complete forward in West Brom’s 4-3-3, he could also play as a right-winger thanks to his pace. He is willing to drop deep to receive the ball and bring his teammates into play. Alongside that, dribbling with speed is also one of his traits as he could pick up a pass from the midfielder and sprint towards the goal.
Inside the box, he has a sharp eye for goal. He usually positions himself in free space to control the ball and bend his shot. On many occasions last season, Rodriguez also made his name from many long-range shots. A quick mind and constantly scanning for spaces allows him to spot a position where he could threaten the opposition’s goal with a volley or just a normal shot.
In Burnley’s 4-4-2, he will play alongside a target man where he could link up play and drive his teammates forward. While Chris Wood’s movement would attract the opposition’s defenders, Rodriguez will pick up the ball and make runs towards Southampton’s goal. This is something that the Saints defenders need to be aware of.
Although this won’t be the first time Rodriguez faces Southampton, it will be a very emotional return to Turf Moor for him. He has been very good in the Championship and a return to the Premier League is a perfect reward.
