Patrick Bamford hails ‘brilliant’ Rodrigo after Leeds United draw v Wolves
By Max Parsons
Patrick Bamford has not held back in his praise for team-mate Rodrigo following Leeds United’s 1-1 draw with Wolves last weekend.
The England international has been out of action with injury since September, which has forced Rodrigo to deputise for Marcelo Bielsa’s favoured centre-forward. And, putting in a difficult start to the campaign behind him, the Spaniard came good for his side last time out in the Premier League – something that Bamford has made clear.
Speaking on The Official Leeds United Podcast on Wednesday, Bamford was happy for his colleague.
“I’ve got to say, watching it, I thought Rodrigo was brilliant, which was nice to see. I felt like he showed what he can do, which is important,” the 28-year-old continued.
“Looking at it from the selfish side, I’m buzzing if he’s playing behind me and he’s playing like that, then that’s brilliant because he was so good. It was a toss-up between him and the fans in the last half-an-hour that changed the game,” Bamford concluded.
Glimpse of his best
It must be said that, following his club-record £27 million arrival from Valencia in 2020, Rodrigo has been underwhelming as a Leeds player, often frustrating fans with performances that are simply not reflective of his undeniable quality.
Last Saturday’s draw against Wolves, however, gave us a glimpse of the match-dominating forward he can be.
Following Hwang Hee-Chan’s 10th minute opener, Leeds found themselves in a perturbingly familiar trailing position throughout. A mediocre first half just didn’t cut it, although an apparent revival after the break was a sight for sore eyes.
A more dynamic and thrustful feel to Leeds play was led by Rodrigo, whose second half masterclass drove his side forward. WhoScored’s Man of the Match for the fixture, the Spaniard provided four key passes to team mates, worked tirelessly to register five ball recoveries and also proved influential off the ball with brilliantly elusive movement.
He got his reward for an intelligent and vitally effective display with a spot kick at the death. That 93rd minute penalty earned a point for his side – although so much more of what he did contributed to that, too.
Such performances are an unfortunate rarity for Rodrigo but, should he continue in that vein of form, there’s Leeds hero status for him yet.
In other Leeds United news, this midfielder has suggested he wants to end his stay at Elland Road.