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Amazon pundit claims Rodrigo is a 'victim' at Leeds United due to Patrick Bamford duel
Paul Robinson believes Rodrigo is unhappy with his role at Leeds United, and would prefer to replace Patrick Bamford as the side’s main striker.
Rodrigo started the season on fire for Leeds, with the Spanish striker scoring four goals in as many games while Bamford watched on injured from the sidelines.
But once Bamford returned to fitness the English forward returned to playing up front, while Rodrigo dropped back into a more creative role.
Robinson has suggested that Rodrigo is not unhappy with Marsch’s decision to favour Bamford over him as an out-and-out striker.
Speaking to Amazon Prime Sport (20 October) during Leeds’ 2-0 defeat to Leicester, Robinson said: “Speaking to him in the week, I interviewed him in the week, you get the feeling that he loves playing that number nine role,” as quoted by Football365.
“He loves playing in a settled position rather than dropping deep.
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“He enjoys playing as a nine. He came to Leeds initially as a nine, and I think he has been unlucky because Patrick, when he is fit, he plays, and he has been a victim of being able to play in midfield in an advanced role”
Bamford not worth the trouble
Frankly, Leeds’ best football was played with Rodrigo leading the line, and the 31-year-old has proved to be far more clinical in front of goal than the wasteful Bamford.
While Rodrigo is capable of playing deeper in the midfield role, he thrives more as an out-and-out attacker.
On top of that, Rodrigo being shifted back to striker allows the trio of Brenden Aaronson, Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra to form a great partnership in behind him. When Bamford played, Marsch often dropped one of that trio to account for Rodrigo in midfield.
It adds far more balance to the team, and Rodrigo is also bound to make less crucial passing errors – like those against Arsenal and Leicester – if he’s pushed back further upfield.
Simply put, Bamford doesn’t look worthy of a starting spot based on his current form. Leeds need goals and he isn’t providing them. If Rodrigo does desire his striker spot back, he deserves to have it against Fulham on Sunday.
In other Leeds United news, Jesse Marsch is now fire fighting to save his job as relegation becomes a reality