Rodrigo move to Leeds United slammed as ‘disastrous’ due to low goal return

Spanish outlet Fichajes have described Rodrigo’s move from Valencia to Leeds United as ‘totally disastrous’ following the forward’s diminutive goal return.

Signing from Los Murcielagos for a club-record £26million fee last summer, Rodrigo was one of many high profile recruits brought to Elland Road by Marcelo Bielsa.

The Spaniard has managed just three goals in 20 appearances for the Whites this season, which has seen Fichajes slam his transfer to the Premier League.

Fichajes’ report claims that Rodrigo will be relieved that Leeds have all but confirmed their Premier League status ahead of next season so that he can seek ‘redemption’ for a first season that will be ‘forgotten’.

Rodrigo has missed eight Premier League games for Leeds this season, the first two of which were due to the player having contracted COVID-19, while the latter six have seen the forward sit out with a groin injury.

Entirely missing the point

In criticising Rodrigo’s goal return this season, Fichajes have entirely missed how important the Spaniard has already become for Leeds.

Though we initially thought that the 29-year old would be used up front this season, Rodrigo has mostly played in midfield, which significantly reduces the expectation for how many goals he might score.

Rodrigo’s importance can easily be outlined through our performances without him in the side, with Leeds having won just two and lost six of the eight games he has been missing for.

It remains to be seen where Bielsa might choose to field Rodrigo next season, but at least in the current campaign Rodrigo’s influence cannot be understated, making Fichajes’ judgement of the player in their report equally both unwarranted and unfair.

In other Leeds United news, Paul Robinson has backed Joe Gelhardt to leave Elland Road on a loan deal next season while also suggesting the Whites could sign a back-up forward.