Robinson wants Rodrigo to play as Leeds United striker with Bamford fitness up in the air
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 wants to see Rodrigo playing as the centre-forward with Leeds United yet to know when Patrick Bamford will be available to play again.
Marcelo Bielsa has named Rodrigo, Tyler Roberts, Daniel James, Jack Harrison, Sam Greenwood and Joe Gelhardt as strikers this season while Bamford, 28, has been sidelined with various injury issues.
In his most recent update on Monday [7 February], Bielsa told the media that he “cannot predict” when the England striker will be fit to play again after suffering a foot injury [Yorkshire Post].
With Bamford still out for Leeds’ upcoming Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Wednesday night [9 February], Robinson has said that he’d rather see Rodrigo take the starting striker spot from James.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “I’d rather see Rodrigo given a run as a number nine because we know Patrick Bamford isn’t going to be available for a long time now. He’s nowhere near full fitness.
“For me, Rodrigo is just starting to look like the player he was when we signed him when he was given a run of games as a number nine.
“I’d play Rodrigo there and give him a run of games in that position where he’s played for Spain. It’s not a position that’s alien to him – he was playing there for his national team for a long time before he signed for Leeds.“
Rodrigo has played mainly as an attacking midfielder by Bielsa since his club-record move from Valencia at the start of last season.
Robison adds that he’s been unimpressed by the Spain international but feels a starting role as a striker could help him.
“He’s not been anywhere near as good as he should be and hasn’t reached the levels we’d expect,” Robinson added.
“But his best performances have been in that number nine role.”
In other Leeds United news, Robbie Fowler has made an admission about Leeds’ January transfer window.