Paul Robinson: Rodrigo can be replaced by Leeds United
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.
Leeds United could sell Rodrigo and replace him with someone who is better suited to Marcelo Bielsa’s system, according to Paul Robinson.
Rodrigo, 30, hasn’t exactly met expectations since his club-record transfer to Elland Road from Valencia for £27million last year.
The Brazil-born Spain international did put in one of his best shifts in a Leeds shirt on Friday night in the 1-1 draw away at Newcastle but on the whole, his performances have been below par.
Robinson believes Rodrigo struggles to fit into Bielsa’s system at Leeds and the ex-goalkeeper claims there could be an effort to replace him.
However, Robinson warns that the Whites could suffer a major loss on the fee they paid for the Spain forward.
“When you buy somebody, you buy them to fit the system. I think he’s a top-quality player but he hasn’t found a role in the system,” said Robinson to MOT Leeds News.
“I don’t know whether you cash in on him or not or bear with him for a bit longer. But they paid £27million and you’re not going to get that back at this moment because he’s not playing regularly or well enough to warrant that.
“For me, yes you can sell him and you can replace him with someone better who fits in the system.
“You can buy better for the way you play.”
When Leeds signed Rodrigo last year, many assumed that the Spaniard was joining the Whites as a striker who could challenge Patrick Bamford and even replace the England international in Bielsa’s starting line-up.
However, since promotion, Bamford has been magnificent in the Premier League and Rodrigo has been used more as a midfielder by Bielsa.
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.