TalkSPORT pundit slams ‘theatrical’ Georginio Rutter after ‘unbelievable’ incident for Leeds United v Norwich
Neil Redfearn has slammed Leeds United forward Georginio Rutter for a “theatrical” dive during the Whites’ Championship clash with Norwich City.
Daniel Farke’s side backed up their late win over Preston North End with another three points against the Canaries on Wednesday (24 January) running out 1-0 winners thanks to a first-half header from Patrick Bamford.
However, talkSPORT pundit Redfearn was not impressed with all aspects of Leeds’ performance and was quick to criticise Rutter after he went down too easily under very little pressure after demonstrating an “unbelievable” piece of skill.
Speaking on talkSPORT 2 (24 January, 19:56) he said: “He’s looking for it in the end. It’s very theatrical the dive, but it was an unbelievable bit of play to get himself there.
“Received the ball on the sort of centre-circle, twisted and turned away from challenges and was strong on the ball, then linked in with Summerville which has happened a lot this season. Thought he’d won his team a free-kick, but the referee thought otherwise.”
Theatrical
For all his great skills and technical ability, Rutter is guilty, along with a couple of other players in the Leeds United changing room of going to ground far too easily, especially considering the Frenchman’s strength.
With the ball at his feet, Rutter is able to breeze past defenders with relative ease and make them look like statues, but every now and again he hits the deck as if he has been hit by a bulldozer rather than a shoulder-to-shoulder.
It’s even more frustrating as it has led to officials giving the Leeds’ centre-forward fewer and fewer free-kicks as they consistently expect that he has dived rather than actually been fouled. His behaviour is now doing him more harm than good.
Hopefully, the 21-year-old will continue to mature and start to cut that out of his game. He is a joy to watch in a Leeds shirt currently, but moments like that often let him down in matches.
In other Leeds United news, Sam Byram has opened up about his future at Elland Road as he nears the end of his contract
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