How he did at the world cup. http://www.licencetoroam.net/analysis-christian-rodriguez-angel-di-maria-shine-central-midfield/
If reports by newspapers such as the Sunderland Echo are to be believed, Sunderland are close to signing Cristian Rodriguez. The paper claims that the Atletico Madrid midfielder’s agent held talks with the Black Cats, who are currently in Portugal for training, over the weekend, with a potential move understood to be close. Stats On paper, the 28-year-old looks a very decent acquisition indeed. Rodriguez, who can play on the wing or more centrally, has worn the colours of top European club such as Paris Saint Germain, Benfica, Porto as well as La Liga winners Atletico. While he may not be a prolific goal scorer, Rodriguez obviously has some pedigree and talent if he has represented his native Uruguay 77 times. The South American has also won plenty of trophies in the Spanish capital, winning the aforementioned La Liga as well the UEFA Super Cup, Copa Del Rey in addition to being runners up in this year’s Champions League. If he does sign, these facts point to Rodriguez being a star name to add to Sunderland. Previous buys One thing that worries me as a Sunderland fan is the fact that the club have an awful history of signing South Americans, with the only success possibly being cult hero Julio Arca. The likes of Paulo da Silva, Marcos Angeleri, Cristian Riveros and Ignacio Scocco have all signed for Sunderland with a decent track record behind them only to barely feature in a red and white shirt. However, all these players arrived from South or Central American clubs, where the style of play is much different to that of the Premier League. The fact that Rodriguez has spent most of his club life playing in Europe suggests that he can adapt to the English top flight better than those before him. The midfielder is also keen on a move away from Atletico, so this desire could help him settle in and hit the ground running at the Stadium of Light. Fitting in For the first time in a long while, the Wearsiders seem to be fairly stocked in the attacking department. Connor Wickham and Steven Fletcher, if on form, will guarantee at least 12-15 goals between them. Jozy Altidore found it difficult last season to the say the least, but I think that now he has had a year to find his feet he will come back this season a different player. If Sunderland do manage to conclude the Fabio Borini transfer saga that is another goal scorer to add to the trio. Behind these players on the wing could be Adam Johnson and Emanuele Giaccherini, the latter of which is set to play a bigger part this season after a disappointing last term. More centrally, Jordi Gomez will pull the strings from the middle of the pitch. Add Rodriguez to this attacking department and Sunderland should be able to build on the fine form of the latter part of the 2013-14 season.
Yes this post title wants changing it has neither been imminent nor pouncing ffs in or out him and borini. The crickets quicker than this
Chris Young ‏@YoungSunEcho 1m Unfortunately there's going to be tears over an onion. Link to follow in half an hour or so #safc ****
