‘Improved a lot’ – Leeds summer signing details what’s different after flopping in PL
Leeds United summer signing Rodrigo said that he is a more complete player now than when he made his Premier League debut with Bolton Wanderers in 2010.
He joined Bolton on a season-long loan from Benfica but only started four games, scoring one goal.
The Spain international joined the Elland Road club for a record transfer of £27 million and has impressed with his early performances.
Now 29, Rodrigo said his time with Benfica and Valencia helped his development and that he was now ready for the challenge of playing for Leeds.
“I have improved a lot as a professional and person,” he told the Leeds official website.
“It was a long time ago that I was here in Bolton and I was a young guy just starting as a professional football player.”
He added: “I feel I am a more complete player and am now ready for the challenge here with Leeds.”
Adapting his role
When Rodrigo arrived, many expected him to slot in as a replacement for Patrick Bamford at the centre-forward position.
Bamford managed just 16 goals in 45 Championship appearances last season and many fans wanted to see a more reliable goalscorer brought in.
However, Bamford has notched six goals in the opening six games of the Premier League season, prompting Marcelo Bielsa to use the Spaniard in a more creative role.
He’s now being used as a number 10 with him and Pablo Hernandez in competition for that starting spot.
The change has worked thus far, with Rodrigo ably adapting his game, while posing an offensive threat.
So far, he averages one key pass and 2.2 shots per game (via WhoScored), while only Bamford has generated more expected goals plus expected assists per 90 (via FBRef).
In other Leeds news, MOT View: How Bielsa found the perfect role for out of position Leeds United star