{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Leeds Exclusive: Paul Robinson claims patient 29y/o is ‘knocking on the door’ for starting role
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson has claimed that Leeds United new boy Rodrigo will be “knocking on the manager’s door” for a regular starting role in the near future.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, the former Elland Road stopper hailed the Spain international for his patience since arriving in England, and suggested that he is ready to be included in Marcelo Bielsa’s first XI.
The summer signing scored his first goal for the Whites in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, capitalising on a goalkeeping error to tap in from close range.
And Robinson has backed the 29-year-old to push hard in his efforts to displace some of Bielsa’s more trusted talents.
When asked if Rodrigo was ready for a starting spot at Elland Road, he told MOT Leeds News: “Definitely. He’s getting there.
Subscribe to Football Insider TV now
“We’ve seen so many times that players have to get used to the manager, they have to get used to the demands that he puts on them. Historically he hasn’t thrown his new signings in from the start, and he hasn’t with his new signings now – aside from Robin Koch because he’s had to.
“Rodrigo has bided his time – he looks fit, he looks strong, and he looks like he is ready to start. He’s certainly knocking on the manager’s door.
“Bielsa’s got a really good problem at the moment because his team is playing well, but he is historically loyal to his players. It’ll be difficult for Rodrigo to break into the side, but should he be in the starting XI for the next game, I wouldn’t be surprised.”
Rodrigo has started just one Premier League game for Leeds so far this season, playing the opening 45 minutes of the 4-3 win over Fulham before being substituted at half-time.
The forward has featured in all four of his side’s top flight matches so far, however, and also completed a full 90 minutes against Hull City in the EFL Cup last month.
In other Leeds United news, Ally McCoist has made an admission about Leeds as he waxes lyrical over their football.