Burnley linked with a transfer for 22-goal hitman: A shrewd move by Dyche

Burnley have been linked with a move for West Brom forward Jay Rodriguez, who still has two years left on his current contract.

The Clarets will have to compete with Bournemouth in the race to sign the 29-year-old.

According to a report from the Express and Star, Rodriguez could leave West Brom this summer after the Baggies’ failed in their quest for promotion to the Premier League.

The Englishman managed 28 goal contributions in 48 appearances last season, showing his good fitness levels after a few years of injury misery.

Jay Rodriguez at Turf Moor: An exciting move      

Burnley boss Sean Dyche sets up his team in a 4-4-2 or a 4-4-1-1 formation, forming a defensive low block with full-backs tucking in to play narrow. Their compact shape at the back means they can’t commit too many men forward.

Rodriguez is a versatile forward who predominantly features as a centre-forward, but can also slot in a second striker role or on the left wing as per the situation.

Dyche who generally deploys two-man upfront can exploit Rodriguez’ flexibility to good effect. The 29-year-old is a complete striker; from his movement in the final third to his passing to his cool and calm finishing in front of the goal. Rodriguez managed 22 goals in the Championship, and his link-up play coupled with his pace would suit Burnley well.

Rodriguez’s physical presence will also hold him in good stead at Burnley who to play direct football more often than not.

The forward’s defensive work-rate is another thing which draws the attention of most managers out there. The Baggies forward managed an average of 1.4 clearances and 1 successful tackles per, which seems fairly good for a player in the final third.

The player who will be 30 before the next season kicks-off in August, could be a vital addition to the Clarets seeing his experience and personality over the years.

Seeing how West Brom failed to achieve promotion this year, Rodriguez will be on the market for a fairly lower price compared to his £20 million valuation from last year.

Stat Courtesy: Transfermarkt, Whoscored