Presenter Conor McGilligan claimed that Leeds United are too ’embarrassed’ to drop striker Rodrigo due to his high transfer fee.
Over the past weekend, the Spanish striker had a game to forget in the Premier League. Indeed, it was his ‘stupid crossfield ball’ that set up Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka for the only goal of the game.
Before he had time to atone for his error, Rodrigo was then subbed at halftime and had to watch on from the sidelines helpless as his side slumped to a 1-o defeat at Elland Road.
It seems as though this recent mistake from the Leeds man has been the final star for McGilligan who slammed the Spaniard, saying he’s never fit in at the club but they’ve been forced to try and ‘shoehorn’ him in over the past few seasons.
Speaking on the One Leeds Fan Channel, the presenter said: (15:32): “For me, Rodrigo is just not at it. I’ve never thoroughly rated him. I think he’s a technically gifted player, but it’s never worked with him at Leeds United.
“I think we’re trying to shoehorn him into something because the club are almost embarrassed that they broke their record fee and shoehorn nearly 30 million quid into this transfer and have been trying to get it working.
“I don’t see where this is going to ever work. I really don’t. I don’t get where you put him. Eight? No. 10? No. Up front? No.”
TIF thoughts on Rodrigo and Leeds…
Back in the summer of 2020, having just earned promotion back into the Premier League, the Whites splashed a club-record fee of €29m (£26m) to sign the forward from Valencia.
While Leeds have maintained their top-tier status since, it’s fair to say Rodrigo has never quite lived up to his full potential. Indeed, he scored seven goals in his debut season, six the following campaign, and has four so far this term.
Seeing as he once netted 16 in a single La Liga season, it’s a shame he’s never delivered those sorts of numbers in England. Still, Jesse Marsch has played him regularly of late – he’s started every league game.
So maybe McGilligan is right, perhaps the club keep persevering with the player simply because he cost them so much in the first place.
Would you drop Rodrigo for this next game?
Yes
No
