Paul Robinson: Leeds United haven’t seen best of Rodrigo yet
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United.
Paul Robinson suggests Rodrigo may not be happy with the midfield role that he’s played in at Leeds United.
When Leeds made Rodrigo, 30, their record signing last summer, many fans assumed the Spaniard was being signed to replace Patrick Bamford as Marcelo Bielsa’s starting striker.
However, the ex-Valencia forward has been moved into a deeper midfield role by Bielsa and Robinson feels that he might not be getting much enjoyment playing there.
“We’re still waiting to see the best of him,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“He still needs a run in the side to showcase what he can do.
“I think he’s caught between two positions, he’s not playing as a nine, he’s in the midfield.
“From the outside looking in, I don’t know if he enjoys playing in the midfield in a deeper role but I don’t think he’s been given the opportunity and run of games to show the best of himself.
“He plays in too many positions and hasn’t nailed one down.
“It’s very interesting that it came out that Barcelona were interested in him.
“We know he’s a top-quality player but Leeds haven’t seen the best of him yet.”
Rodrigo hasn’t done as well as we would have expected since joining from Valencia last year but the Spain international was arguably at his best on Friday night in the 1-1 draw at Newcastle.
Almost everything good that Leeds did came through the Spaniard, whose dummy played a vital role in Raphinha’s goal at St James’ Park.
Let’s hope that his performance at Newcastle will turn out to be the start of something special for Rodrigo, who’s had to do a lot of adapting since swapping Valencia for West Yorkshire.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared the anxious messages sent to Andrea Radrizzani ahead of what was tipped as a “disaster” at Elland Road.