Questions remain over Georginio Rutter as big-money Leeds United star fails to deliver v Sheffield Wednesday
It was an afternoon to forget for Leeds United forward Georginio Rutter as he disappointed against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday (2 September).
The Whites were held to a goalless draw by their Yorkshire rivals despite dominating the possession and having more chances than the visitors at Elland Road.
The 21-year-old Frenchman, who joined the Whites for a club-record £35.5million fee from TSG Hoffenheim in January, once again led the line for his side, with new signing Joel Piroe playing in a supportive role behind the striker.
Just a week prior to the draw with Wednesday, the duo played up front together – and combined well – as Leeds beat in-form Ipswich Town 4-3 at Portman Road.
They both scored within the first 20 minutes to help their side earn a big three points on the road, hinting that a profitable partnership could be on the cards.
But that was thrown into question in Saturday’s stalemate, with neither of the two forwards having the best afternoon in front of goal.
Rutter, who had been linked with a move away from Elland Road during the summer window [FR], will be keen to prove that he deserves a place in the side as he looks to fire in the goals to help the club challenge for promotion this season.
The striker had a relatively bright start to the game, as he played a neat one-two with Crysencio Summerville on the edge of the box before the Dutchman fired high and wide of the target.
The winger then returned the favour for his teammate, who went through on goal before he was thwarted by a smart save from Owls keeper Devis Vasquez.
It was an opportunity the Frenchman really should have taken, though, as he was only about six yards out and that would’ve gone a long way towards earning his side the victory.
That was one of just two shots that the Frenchman had throughout the game despite playing 90 minutes, which shows you need a clinical edge in the Championship.
He had the fewest touches (28) of any of the Leeds starters, with Piroe having the second-lowest (40) to indicate why they were unable to get on the scoresheet [Transfermarkt].
Rutter recorded the lowest pass success rate (67 per cent) for his side, as only 10 of his 15 attempts managed to find one of his teammates, while he was also dispossessed on two occasions and was flagged offside twice.
His frustrations also boiled over towards the end of the match when he was handed a yellow card to add to his disappointing afternoon.
While you could argue it’s just an off day, the forward has only scored one goal and laid on a single assist in his 18 appearances for the West Yorkshire club.
If he wants to remain in the starting lineup, then his output simply has to improve as Daniel Farke won’t wait around to help him find his feet in front of goal.
In other Leeds United news, one player has been withdrawn from international duties following a fitness concern.