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Why managers should not overlook Green and Rodallega:

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The free agents market… hope for some and a Russian roulette to others. Robert Green and Hugo Rodallega have kept the crowds entertained for quite a few years and despite experience being on their side, the two are currently out of contract. The England stopper has decided to part ways with newly promoted West Ham and manager Sam Allardyce, while Wigan have decided to release Rodallega.

The Colombian cost Wigan £ 4.5 million in 2008 with the then manager, Steve Bruce, orchestrating the deal. Rodallega has since proven himself in Wigan’s attack, having broken Henri Camara’s record to become Wigan’s all-time leading Premier League goal-scorer. Rodallega and Green have both previously expressed their desire to part ways with their respective employers in the past. Sam Allardyce is seemingly looking for Green’s replacement in the shape of 37-year-old, Jussi Jääskeläinen. The latter worked under Allardyce in the past at Bolton, making it a probable deal. A contract at West Ham would only add to Jääskeläinen’s record of being the longest serving foreign player in the Premier League since joining Bolton in 1997.

26-year-old Rodallega, known for his strength and powerful long range shooting has proven his quality and finishing on many occasions. His addition to most squads would only mean depth and strategic options and with past interest from Arsène Wenger, the North London club could well consider a powerful Colombian since physical presence and relief for the skipper would be on the table at a bargain price. Whatever Van Persie’s destination turns out to be next season, his proneness to injuries is not to be forgotten, making Rodallega a very viable prospect either way. Currently a free agent and undeniably a talented footballer, the 26-year old is a classic Wenger-Style target, with the Frenchman being one to love sticking to his financial ethics.

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The reliance on a certain Dutchman has not only made of him one of the most wanted strikers but also indirectly ridiculed the attacking staff at Arsenal. Rodallega could bring some Adebayoresque football back to compensate a Van Persie regardless of the situation. Despite being deployed out of position, on the wing, Wigan benefited from 10 goals scored that also made Rodallega the club’s top scorer, proving to be more effective than a certain Nicklas when out of position. Podolski and Rodallega could also make up a good attacking duo, complimenting each other strategically with the later playing as a target man while being supported by the German forward.

32-year-old Robert Green, has made the decision to venture for new horizons. A free agent, the England goalkeeper has made 226 appearances for the Hammers and his reflexes & athletic displays have given him the reputation of a very capable goalkeeper. With the experience of maturity now on his side, Green has grown into an impressive athlete between the sticks. Like fine wines, many greats of the goalkeeping world peaked past their late twenties; with Peter Schmeichel springing to mind. Quite amazingly, even more, the 41-year-old American, Brad Friedel who took the number 1 spot from Gomes at Tottenham, with the latter being his junior by 10 years.

Even if unquestionably, England’s first choice in the goalkeeping department remains Joe Hart, Green’s integral part for England could not be classed as anything less than an achievement, one thing a certain Rio Ferdinand misses. The former Norwich City goalkeeper, with proven Premier League experience would be more than handy to any squad looking for quality in goal. For now, we can only wonder where they’ll both end with Rodallega seemingly wanting a Premier League stay. The question of who will make the most out of those free transfers might just be imminently answered while we spectate with Time and speculate. Who should enhance their weaponry and who should get a green shield?

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