Phil Hay shares if Rodrigo will be starting v Newcastle
Phil Hay has insisted that Marcelo Bielsa is resolutely backing Rodrigo ahead of the Leeds United clash with Newcastle.
The Spaniard is visibly struggling in the number ten role, and he is yet to complete 90 minutes this season.
Hay has insisted that the clash with a struggling Newcastle side could be perfect for Rodrigo to get his form back in the Premier League.
Responding in an Athletic Q&A this morning, Hay responded to a fan questioning him on the ongoing situation.
“Bielsa is backing him resolutely,” he said. “Seems determined to make this one work. This is a dilemma.
“Part of me thinks Klich-Dallas is a safer mix. But part of me thinks that Newcastle are the sort of team Rodrigo should be able to do damage to. Less of a luxury than perhaps he is against Liverpool/Man Utd.
“To be fair, bringing form out of a player requires a bit of patience. Rodrigo not playing isn’t going to help him shine.”
One more shot?
Rodrigo has struggled in the games he has started, but there couldn’t have been two harder games included in that.
Most of the squad has had problems in those defeats against Liverpool and Manchester United, but that doesn’t excuse one individual.
The Whites faithful want to see effort and class, and Rodrigo was visibly tired and miss a simple chance to give us the lead on Sunday.
Going more defensively could impact us negatively at St James’ Park, or it could be Raphinha to play more centrally and bring Dan James in.
Time will tell, but it would be a big show of trust by Bielsa to start Rodrigo yet again and that could benefit everyone here.
In other Leeds United news, Alan Brazil drops major Whites concern live on talkSPORT, Ray Parlour makes prediction