Why Southampton should beat Wolves to the signature of Rogerio
According to the Mirror, Wolverhampton Wanderers are facing a challenge from Southampton in signature of left-back Rogerio. The Brazilian is currently plying his trade at Sassuolo, on loan from Italian champions Juventus. He has been at the Mapei stadium since the start of 2017/18 season.
As per the report (h/t Tuttomercatoweb), Wolves have already made a £16m bid for the Brazilian U20 international. Nuno Espirito Santo would be looking for a replacement of Jonny Otto, who is currently on loan from Atletico Madrid.
However, Southampton have entered and the race to sign the player. Rogerio is tipped to challenge Alex Sandro for the left-back spot at Juventus. (Mirror) But, here’s why the Saints should sign the Brazilian in the coming week:
Rogerio’s versatility could be key
Predominantly a left-back, Rogerio is capable of playing on the left wing and be equally impactful. The 21-year-old has started 16 times for Sassuolo in the Serie A this season and looks like a player who has a great future.
He possesses some great pace to make runs up and down the pitch on the left-hand side. The Brazilian also has the dribbling propensities to get past defenders in the wide areas before delivering good crosses into the box.
The best thing about Rogerio is his defensive awareness. Even though the Brazilian loves marauding forward on every given opportunity, he has the sense to track back and make tackles to stop opposition wingers.
All in all, he seems to have everything a fullback/wing-back should have at his disposal.
Currently, Southampton have only one option at left wing-back – Matt Targett. Ryan Bertrand is injured and is expected to return at the end of this month. But he wouldn’t be thrown into the mix as back injuries could recur if not treated to the full extent.
Cedric Soares has played a couple of games there, but the Portuguese has joined Inter Milan on loan. Hence, it is imperative from the Saints’ viewpoint that they sign a new left-sided player. And Rogerio perfectly fits the bill.
It would be a good move for the Brazilian as he will have a chance to play in the Premier League and enhance his reputation further.