(Credit: Imago)

Adrian Clarke compares Leeds United star Georginio Rutter to Stan Collymore

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

06 Dec 2023, 5:10 am

Adrian Clarke has been impressed by Georginio Rutter so far this season as the Leeds United striker continues to go from strength to strength in the Championship.

The 21-year-old has bagged four goals in 18 appearances, while he is ranked third in the league for assists with seven after Ipswich Town's Leif Davis and Norwich City's Gabriel Sara.

Rutter's performances have come on leaps and bounds since his debut season in the Premier League, earning a comparison to former Liverpool star Stan Collymore.

"With Georginio Rutter, is it just me or is there a bit of Stan Collymore? Can you see where I'm coming from?" he asked on the What the EFL?! podcast, via Leeds Live (6 December).

"He has got a maverick nature to him. He's massive but travels with the ball quickly, clearly very skilful. I just think they [Rutter and Collymore] are very, very similar in players. I hadn't seen him compared to Stan Collymore previously."

Incredible compliment

To be likened to Collymore should be a boost to any striker, not that Rutter currently needs it. The former Premier League forward was awarded a spot in the PFA Player of the Year for 1993/94 First Division.

With 62 goals and 29 assists in 163 Premier League appearances, the Frenchman certainly has a lot to live up to.

This season is just the beginning of a long, successful career for Rutter, however. Especially if he continues his form for Leeds throughout the rest of the season and leads the Whites back to the Premier League.

His first season at Elland Road was tough. He managed just one start in the top tier, unable to score and grabbing just a single assist in a 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur. Now, the forward is one of the first names on Daniel Farke's teamsheet.

It would also be fair to say that Rutter is undroppable. The partnership with Joel Piroe is a scary thought for all the other defenders in the league, especially with the support of Crysencio Summerville and Dan James.

In other Leeds United news, Farke is changing the “dirty Leeds” narrative.

Leeds United

Stan Collymore

Georginio Rutter