Rodrigo could make big impact for Leeds if he is unleashed vs Chelsea
Rodrigo can provide a massive boost for Leeds United if he starts against Chelsea on Saturday.
The Spaniard made his return from injury against West Ham on Monday in a 30-minute substitute appearance.
He was sidelined after suffering an injury against Leicester in January and since then the Whites have just two wins in seven games.
We have missed him in midfield with Tyler Roberts not impressing in his place.
As a result, MOT Leeds News pundit Paul Robinson believes Rodrigo will come back into the starting line-up, and we feel he will have a massively positive impact.
The 30-year-old provides more of an attacking threat than Roberts with three goals and one assist this term – Roberts has zero goals and two assists.
More importantly, Rodrigo provides tremendous energy in midfield and that will be essential to countering N’Golo Kante.
Jonjo Shelvey recently described Rodrigo as being a nightmare to play against due to the amount of ground he covers.
On the Studs Up podcast, “That Rodrigo was in the middle and he was meant to be playing centre-midfield and he was just all over the place.
“I said to him, ‘Geez can you just stand still for one minute because you’re just running around like a nutcase’.”
We have missed not only his desire but his efficiency in the middle of the park.
Per WyScout, Rodrigo has 1.2 interceptions per game and has competed for a total of 182 duels this term.
He is key to the press and makes life a lot easier for Kalvin Phillips and Luke Ayling, who he often supports on the right flank.
On Saturday Rodrigo could be key in attack, too.
He carries the ball very well – recording two successful dribbles per game (WyScout) and has completed 3.3 passes to the final third, on average.
Chelsea have been resolute at the back under Thomas Tuchel but we believe a combination of Rodrigo and Raphinha teaming up could unlock their defence.
If that happens we have a good chance of getting back to winning ways.
Kalvin Phillips marshalling the midfield and Patrick Bamford putting his shooting boots on will also be important, but Rodrigo may hold the most influential role.
Hopefully, his fitness holds up too as it promises to be an intense game at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay claims big-money Leeds star has not been happy this season, could be ‘done’ at club.