journalist/pundit reacts

Leeds United: Journalist tears into Rodrigo’s dismal display against Manchester City

|
Image for Leeds United: Journalist tears into Rodrigo’s dismal display against Manchester City

Leeds United forward Rodrigo has been slammed for his performance in their midweek defeat against Manchester City. 

Journalist Michael Graham of 90min has labelled the Spanish forward’s display as ‘totally ineffectual’ as the Whites suffered a 3-1 defeat at Elland Road.

Jesse Marsch’s men registered their eighth defeat of the 2022/23 campaign on Wednesday night with their only goal coming through the defender Pascal Struijk in the latter stages of the match.

1 of 10
Leeds-United-manager-Jesse-Marsch-reacts-after-the-match

First up, which of these World Cup debutants could Leeds go back in for this winter?

Rodrigo was making his 14th appearance in the Premier League this season in which he has been able to find the back of the net nine times (via Transfermarkt).

However, Wednesday night’s display was not one which was fitting of his fairly bright start to the 2022/23 campaign in which he was hooked off after 72 minutes:

“Totally ineffectual although in fairness he was very isolated,” he wrote as he handed him a 4/10 rating.

TIF Thoughts on Graham’s comments…

It was definitely a quiet night for the 31-year-old who did not even register a single shot during his 72 minutes on the pitch (via SofaScore).

Is Rodrigo good enough for Leeds?

Yes

Yes

No

No

However, perhaps most damning was the Spaniard’s lack of touches with just 24 to his name which was 16 fewer than Leeds’ goalkeeper, Illan Meslier (via SofaScore).

It will certainly be a game Rodrigo will want to forget and although it is apparent he had a clear lack of service during the game, it is also indicative of Leeds’ issues up top.

With Patrick Bamford not hitting his best form since the 2020/21 season, games like Wednesday night demonstrate the lack of attacking outlet Leeds possess and the lack of depth coming from the bench.

Share this article