‘Surprised’ – Exclusive: Pundit taken aback by Bielsa comments on Rodrigo at Leeds
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 said that he’s been left surprised by Marcelo Bielsa’s recent comments that Rodrigo would be playing as a number 10 for Leeds.
Rodrigo is a versatile attacker but had been mainly playing as a number nine for club and country before his move to Leeds.
Leeds main priority was signing a striker this summer and Rodrigo looked like the man to take the number nine spot.
However, Patrick Bamford has been on fire so far, with six goals from six games, and, in a recent press conference, Bielsa said that Roberts would be Bamford’s competition.
He said that Rodrigo and Pablo Hernandez were competition for the attacking midfield role.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News Robinson said, “I am surprised by what Bielsa said as I thought that Rodrigo would be a number nine out and out – he plays there for Spain – but Patrick Bamford has got that shirt sewn up at the moment.
“Leeds had said they were looking for a new striker, an out-and-out number nine, this summer and there’s still speculation about that.
“But Bamford is doing his best to put that to bed and only something dramatic will change that. I think only an injury or suspension will see anyone else start up top for Leeds.
“That’s quite rightly so. The fact Rodrigo can play as an attacking midfielder or out wide is to his benefit. I thought he was really good the other day, I was really impressed with him.”
Rodrigo started settling into the number 10 role in the game against Man City, when he scored the equalising goal, and he looks better each game he plays there.
Meanwhile, Bamford will be looking to score his seventh Premier League goal of the season when Leeds host Leicester on Monday Night.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Said I wasn’t good enough’ – Leeds ace claims Bielsa battered him for 30 minutes after PL clash