Rodrigo drops down Leeds United pecking order despite goalscoring display v Wolves – BBC pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...
Rodrigo has less certainty over his role at Leeds United this season due to the additions made in the summer, according to Paul Robinson.
The 31-year-old is starting his third season as a Leeds player after joining from Valencia in a club-record deal back in August 2020.
However, the Brazil-born Spain international is yet to properly impress in West Yorkshire.
Rodrigo did start his 2022/23 campaign with a bang on Saturday though as he scored in Leeds’ 2-1 win over Wolves at Elland Road while a week earlier, he scored a hat-trick in a pre-season win over Cagliari.
Robinson feels it’s time that Rodrigo shows he’s worth the money Leeds paid for him but admits he’s probably seen his role in the squad reduce due to the summer signings made by Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta.
“This is a big season for Rodrigo because it’s about time he stepped up to the plate,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“He’s been below par since he joined the club, he hasn’t lived up to expectations.
“Yes, he’s played out of position, he’s been in and out of the side, he’s played left, he’s played right, he’s played down the middle.
“He’s now playing behind Patrick Bamford centrally in a position I suspect he favours but it’s a big season for him, he has to produce.
“If you look at the new signings who’ve come in, yes, they’ve lost two very good players but their signings can play in a number of positions.
“Rodrigo is probably looking around as he wasn’t a guaranteed starter last season and he’s even less of a guaranteed starter this season.
“If he wants to play regularly, it’s time for him to step up.”
In other Leeds United news, it’s been confirmed that this player has agreed to quit Elland Road.