In a recent interview with MOT Leeds News, former Premier League keeper Paul Robinson urged Leeds United to replace Rodrigo as he believes that the Spanish forward has not found a role in Marcelo Bielsa’s system at Elland Road. Robinson said,
“When you buy somebody, you buy them to fit the system. I think he’s a top-quality player but he hasn’t found a role in the system.
“I don’t know whether you cash in on him or not or bear with him for a bit longer. But they paid £27million and you’re not going to get that back at this moment because he’s not playing regularly or well enough to warrant that.
“For me, yes you can sell him and you can replace him with someone better who fits in the system.
“You can buy better for the way you play.”
Rodrigo’s Up And Down Career At Elland Road
Rodrigo has made an underwhelming start to this campaign as he has failed to score or assist a goal despite making six appearances for the Whites so far. However, the 30-year-old managed to catch the eye at times last season when he scored seven goals and grabbed two assists in 26 league matches for the West Yorkshire outfit.
The Spanish attacker was a valuable contributor while serving as a key member of the Leeds attack after he averaged 1.8 shots, 1.2 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per game in the previous Premier League campaign. He was a decent distributor of the ball based on his pass success rate of 76.9% in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
Should The Whites Cut Rodrigo Loose?
Rodrigo can use his quickness to get the better of his marker in the opposition half and can create some good plays for others around him. He used to be a decent finisher in the final third. However, the goals have dried up for him at Elland Road of late which could be one of the main reasons why Paul Robinson is urging the Whites to replace him in the future.
At 30, Rodrigo is a striker on the decline but can still serve as a useful squad player for a club like Leeds in the coming seasons. The Spaniard has made a slow start to this campaign, so Bielsa should wait until the end of this campaign before deciding on whether to retain his services or cut him loose for good.
At the moment, Rodrigo is clearly not living up to the high expectations surrounding his move from Valencia back in 2020. However, there is still time for the Brazil-born forward to prove his worth and make a name for himself at the West Yorkshire club if he can find some form over the next few weeks.
