Hodgson targets Bryan Ruiz

New Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is after Costa Rican forward Bryan Ruiz.

The new man at Anfield tracked him whilst at Fulham but the Cottagers could not afford the 24-year-old who was a key component of FC Twente's Eredivisie title winning side last season.

The Daily Mirror describe Ruiz as a winger which is only likely to confuse Liverpool fans. Steve McClaren can be credited with changing his position at FC Twente last season and he reaped the rewards.

Prior to moving to Holland, Ruiz spent three seasons at KAA Gent, where he scored 11 goals in 31 matches (2007/2008) and then 12 in 34 (2008/2009). Naturally left footed, Ruiz usually found himself starting on the left wing but he has also appeared on the right and through the middle.

A £5.5 million euro move to FC Twente (also good business by McClaren) saw him play up front a lot more as he scored 27 goals in 46 appearances altogether.

Whilst his game is also suited to the physical side of things, he is 6.2ft, Liverpool fans should be warned that his assist ratio decreased when playing up front. In his last season at Gent he contributed 13 assists in 34 appearances whilst in 46 games at Twente his tally was just seven.

Experienced at international level (39 caps and nine goals for Costa Rica) he would likely be a good acquisition for Liverpool thanks to the fact he is quick, can dribble past opponents and is a good finisher.

The Merseyside giants will have to stump up around £15 million euros (his release clause) and the likes of Steve McClaren's new club Wolfsburg as well as Sevilla and Villarreal are also interested. 

The main dilemma for Hodgson would likely be whether Ruiz would go the same way as Ryan Babel at Liverpool. A fantastic year in the Dutch Eredivisie doesn't always lead to success in the Premier League and question marks over his best position may also hamper him at Anfield.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.