Sky Sports host David Prutton shares what Georginio Rutter told him about life at Leeds United
David Prutton says Georginio Rutter is now “loving life” at Leeds United after initially struggling at Elland Road following his big-money arrival.
Leeds broke their transfer record by signing Rutter from Hoffenheim in a £35.5million deal in January [Sky Sports].
The 21-year-old was unable to keep United in the Premier League, but he is faring a lot better since relegation to the Championship.
Speaking on Sky Sports News [5 December, 11:20], Prutton said: “I spoke to Georgi the other week and he was talking about the different pressure that comes with being a centre-forward with Leeds United.
“He’s got the best part of £30million hanging around his neck in terms of the transfer fee. He looks to be loving life at Elland Road. [Joel] Piroe has been a massive part in that.”
Much better
Rutter was brought to Elland Road in the desperate hope he could rescue Leeds from Premier League relegation.
It is fair to say that did not quite go to plan, as the France Under-21s international scored no goals and assisted just one in 11 – mainly substitute – appearances.
The big-money acquisition was restricted to just one start, not helped by a managerial merry-go-round as the season desperately spiralled.
Daniel Farke has made Rutter his first-choice striker this season, even following the arrival of Piroe, and that confidence has paid off.
The Frenchman has either scored or assisted in nine of his 17 appearances for Leeds this season and has been a key focal point up top.
Rutter has built up a good connection with Piroe, Daniel James and Crysencio Summerville, with Leeds not finding goals hard to come by.
It just goes to show what some faith from the manager, and a run of games, can do for a player. Long may that continue.
In other Leeds United news, Farke will be furious at a decision that will see him without a squad member for at least three matches.