Graham Smyth makes ‘unusual’ Leeds United admission as Georginio Rutter tipped to break record
Graham Smyth has tipped Leeds United forward Georginio Rutter to break the Championship record for big chances created this season.
The highest number of big-chances created since the stat was first recorded in 2016-17 is 23 by Ryan Giles for Middlesbrough last season, with the Yorkshire Evening Post journalist claiming that tally is well within the 21-year-old’s reach after he has 10 to his name in the opening 11 games.
He added that it’s “unusual” for a creative player to be leading the line like the Frenchman has been, while out-and-out goalscorer Joel Piroe has been playing in the number 10 role.
“It just seems to me like he (Rutter) is popping up all over the place and threatening to rip defences apart with either passing or dribbling and his team are profiting in a major way,” said Smyth on the Inside Elland Road podcast on Wednesday (11 October).
“23 is the most big-chances created in the Championship by an individual since 2016/17 when they started collating that particular stat. I don’t think 23 is outside of his reach at all, I think it’s well within his reach.
“Somebody suggested to me this week that it’s broken some people’s minds that Leeds United’s biggest creator plays at nine and their biggest goal threat plays at 10.
“I would suggest that it’s unusual to have the man leading your attack as the one that’s creating the most chances for teammates and the one sitting in behind him, where traditionally you would see an (Emiliano) Buendia or (Pablo) Hernandez, that he’s the one that’s profiting from the edge of the box, arriving late to score goals. But it’s working for Leeds.”
Can’t complain
There certainly won’t be too many people complaining about how the two Leeds forwards are operating, with Rutter showing his quality on the ball and Piroe providing a cutting edge.
The pair have linked up very well on a few occasions already and they will be hoping to keep improving on that partnership as the season goes on.
Rutter has been a joy to watch at times and is showing signs of why the Whites forked out so much to sign him in January, even if that was to play in the Premier League.
Having made 10 big chances already this season, there is absolutely no reason why he can’t go on to make more than the 23 Giles did for Middlesbrough during the last campaign.
If he continues to make the opportunities and grab a few goals of his own along the way, then you would think Daniel Farke’s side will be in with a great chance of fighting for promotion this season.
In other Leeds United news, a BBC pundit was awestruck by what one “outstanding” player did against Bristol City.