Lambert or Rodriguez? Lambert started to play a slightly deeper role behind Rodriguez towards the end if the season, which he plays very well. Could that mean Rodriguez will become our main goalscorer/poacher this season? Rickie does take the pens and free kicks though. Personally I think Rickie will get more assists and Rodriguez more goals.
Lambert for me. I'm still sceptical about Rodriguez' finishing. He tends to hit it straight at the keeper.
I always think "maybe Rickie's best is behind him now" and then he goes and becomes our top scorer again. So I don't know.
Lambert is an incredible player and will score more than 15 if he stays fit. We got so few penalties last year and Lambert had a dip in goal scoring form towards the end of the season. I see no reason why both players won't score more goals. Rodriguez is a poor finisher at times but he does have a shot on him which when in form will find the net. The way rickie played last season meant that he couldn't get to the back post often enough, if the wideman can create chances he'll be drawn to the goals much more and will score 20+. Rodriguez will score 10+ if he plays like he did when he was full of confidence.
If we sign Damiao or Osvaldo things could change, but I would still have Rickie as top scorer, with J-Rod growing in confidence as he gets better service from midfield. 20 for Rickie, 15 for Rodriguez, 10 each for Lallana and Ramirez, 8 each for Wanyama and Morgan. All the rest another 20 between them. That should be good enough for top half, anyway.
Same here. His pace and strength is without question, but I'm not convinced as to his overall ability yet.
Lambert based in his penalties and free kicks AND the fact that he won't get played on the wing whereas Rodriguez will.
