‘What a proposition’ – BBC 5 Live journalist says striker Bielsa wants ‘happy’ to sign for Leeds
BBC Radio 5 Live journalist Guillem Balague has said that Valencia striker Rodrigo would be “more than happy to play for Bielsa” and Leeds United.
Balague also said Rodrigo would be “perfect for Bielsa” and added, “what a proposition”, after the player was linked with a move to Elland Road.
Balague tweeted after Sky Sports Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported that Bielsa wanted to sign Rodrigo in time for Leeds’ first Premier League game against Liverpool.
Balague described Rodrigo as, “Fast, goalscorer, hard worker without the ball, Spanish international.”
Perfect for Bielsa?
Fast, goalscorer, hard worker… Balague’s description of Rodrigo could be taken from the Leeds scouting sheet when it comes to strikers.
That’s exactly what Bielsa is looking for.
Which is a bit of a surprise because, on the face of it, Rodrigo wouldn’t scream Bielsa.
For starters, he’s 29 and an established international. Bielsa has always looked for young players at Leeds that he can mould into his type of player.
Rodrigo has played at the highest level and isn’t going to change his game now.
He’s also had one stint in England, on loan at Bolton, and he was a big flop, scoring just one goal in 29 games. He only started four games in the Premier League for them.
However, playing under Owen Coyle is a very different proposition to playing under Bielsa. Bielsa will know Rodrigo well and if he thinks he’s the striker that Leeds need, we’re not going to argue with him.
Rodrigo would offer versatility as well, which could make him an even more attractive proposition. He can play as a striker, as a second striker or on the wing.
In other Leeds United news, Leeds confirm major signing is close – ‘Different calibre of player’