Leeds United striker Rodrigo shone in the side’s tremendous 3-0 battering of Chelsea this weekend, grabbing his fourth of the season and being labelled as ‘terrific’ by journalist Graham Smyth.
Despite losing two of their star men this summer in Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, the Yorkshire outfit have started the season well, currently sitting second in the Premier League table after their emphatic victory over the Blues.
The goals were spread across the side with Brenden Aaronson, Jack Harrison, and Rodrigo picking up one each. The latter scored a wonderful headed goal from a free kick and has since been hailed by Smyth, who called him ‘terrific’ on social media for his display.
Smyth wrote on Twitter, “76 – Struijk jumps with Pulisic at the back post to put the attacker off as a dangerous cross comes in. Leeds man stays down, took a bang to the head.
“Rodrigo is looking tired, he’s put in a terrific shift, might soon be Joffy time.
“3-0.”
76 – Struijk jumps with Pulisic at the back post to put the attacker off as a dangerous cross comes in. Leeds man stays down, took a bang to the head.
Rodrigo is looking tired, he's put in a terrific shift, might soon be Joffy time.
3-0
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) August 21, 2022
TIF Thoughts on Rodrigo’s performance…
The Spanish striker has performed wonderfully at the beginning of this season, picking up four goals in three games, which means he is now just two goals behind his tally in 34 appearances last season.
It may come as a surprise to fans to see him hailed so heavily after his disappointing 21/22 season, but when you look at his stats according to Sofascore, it is easy to see why Smyth has praised him so.
During his 83 minutes on the pitch, the 31-year-old striker picked up a goal and assists while registering two shots on target and one key pass. He also created one big chance in the game, won four duels and helped out on the defensive side of the ball with two clearances, which earned him a 7.5-match rating.
Things look to be on the up for Rodrigo, who has struggled since he joined Leeds. It is even better news for the club as star striker Patrick Bamford has struggled to stay consistently fit and it is almost too late for the club to sign another forward. Fans will be hoping things continue as they are for the Spaniard if they are to have a successful season.
Will Rodrigo beat his goal tally from last season?Yes
No
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