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Top 5 Premier League destinations for Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez

By Rucker Haringey

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 13: James Rodriguez of Real Madrid looks on during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 13, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 13: James Rodriguez of Real Madrid looks on during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 13, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 19: Sadio Mane of Southampton battles with Mousa Dembele (19) and Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur (15) during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium on December 19, 2015 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 19: Sadio Mane of Southampton battles with Mousa Dembele (19) and Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur (15) during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s Stadium on December 19, 2015 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images) /

5. Tottenham

Admittedly, it would be a bit of a stretch for Tottenham to afford to purchase Rodriguez, but perhaps their “special relationship” with Madrid could finally pay off. I do believe that Daniel Levy will sanction one or two big purchases for Mauricio Pochettino this season and that would put James’ price at least within hailing distance for Spurs.

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His fit at White Hart Lane is far more certain than the club’s ability to purchase him. Spurs have struggled at times this season to unlock opposing defenses who park the bus against them. Adding a world-class attacking midfielder could solve that problem.

Rodriguez could play for Pochettino in any of his three attacking midfield positions. Imagine the difficulty of defending a Tottenham triumvirate of Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and James Rodriguez in the same midfield. The trio could interchange seamlessly to form a deadly attack in North London.

The only question of his fit for Tottenham would be his willingness to commit fully to Pochettino’s high press. Much of Spurs’ strength is derived from the collective spirit of the squad as it harasses the opposition. That’s not exactly a skill that James has built a reputation for. Pochettino would have to work hard to adjust Rodriguez’s playing philosophy to fit the team’s needs.

Ultimately Rodriguez will likely command a price that puts him out of Tottenham’s reach, but he would certainly add a lot to Pochettino’s squad.

Next: 4. Manchester City

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