Real Madrid appear to be on the lookout for a central midfielder and striker this close season.
But the modern game allows for many different types of forwards to play at the top of the team.
Gone are the days when conventional number nines were present in every team. Today, players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas are regularly deployed in centre forward position, despite not being natural number nines.
And Real Madrid seem to have both eye firmly set on the brilliant World Cup star James Rodriguez – perhaps he will be the next unconventional number 9 at the club. Next season could see him, Ronaldo, Benzema and Bale all playing up top at different times, such is the adaptability of the group.
The Colombian is just 22 years old and already has unbelievable skill and composure on the ball.
He’s also stated a preference to join Real Madrid this summer if he does move on. The Telegraph reports:
“It would be a dream to play in Spain, one of the best leagues in the world,” he reportedly told Cadena Cope. When subsequently asked whether he would prefer Barcelona, Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid, Rodriguez said: “I prefer Real Madrid.”
Real Madrid fans will not be surprised to discover then that English bookmaker Skybet have the club as favourites to sign the player this summer, if he does move on, at odds of 11/2.
With the player clearly stating a preference for Real Madrid we can see these odds shortening over the next few days but one believe that Madrid won’t buy Rodriguez until they first get rid of Angel Di Maria.
With so much interest in Rodriguez, we think that Real Madrid need to move now and deal with the Di Maria situation afterwards.
But let’s have a look at the lad in action. Real Madrid fans: is this now the number one target?
