Phil Hay uses special language to describe Leeds United man ability vs Newcastle
Phil Hay describe Rodrigo’s passing as “sexy” as the Leeds United attacker wowed him during the defeat to Newcastle on Saturday.
The Spanish forward has been linked to a move away during this window, and is seen as having “struggled for consistency and momentum” (Leeds Live) since his big-money move to the club.
But despite United going down to a surprise 1-0 defeat to struggling Newcastle, he provided some moments that the journalist was loving.
Writing on his personal Twitter account when the game was still goalless, The Athletic man said: “CHANCE: Rodrigo, sexy pass again to Raphinha. Ball back across to Harrison who makes space and shoots. Deflection carries to James at the back post who is stretching, doesn’t get a good contact and gives Dubravka an easy save. 0-0 on 67 mins. #lufc“
Disappointing result
Hay’s tweet encapsulated the match quite well as there were positive elements from both sides in a match that was played in a high tempo, but ultimately both suffered from the final bit of quality they needed to finish off chances.
It took a mistake, and a lot of delaying tactics from the visitors, to see Eddie Howe’s relegation threatened side over the line, with Illan Meslier letting a low Jonjo Shelvey free kick past him in the 75th-minute when he really should have done better.
But Rodrigo’s passing was a positive sign, and the hope among Whites fans will be that he can provide more of this going forward to cement a place in the starting line-up, as was expected when he arrived from Valencia for £26million in 2020.
Considering he is the record transfer at Elland Road it could reasonably be expected for him to be a key figure in Marcelo Bielsa’s set up, but that has not quite been the case.
After a moderate first season last term, he has struggled with injuries this year, along with numerous other players, and has only been able to contribute two goals, yet even when fit he is not a certainty to be included in the first XI.
In other Leeds United news, this pundit has hit out at a Whites fan for their reaction to the result.