Rodrigo provides short-term solution for Leeds United with his eye-catching cameo at Sheffield United

When Leeds United committed a club record £27m to bring Rodrigo from Valencia, it appeared to be in the belief he could be a centre-forward who would score regular Premier League goals.
Rodrigo of Leeds United during the Premier League match at Sheffield United (Picture: James Hardisty)Rodrigo of Leeds United during the Premier League match at Sheffield United (Picture: James Hardisty)
Rodrigo of Leeds United during the Premier League match at Sheffield United (Picture: James Hardisty)

It turns out they already had one. Coach Marcelo Bielsa has not hidden his surprise at his team’s goalscoring “efficiency” but in the short-term at least, Patrick Bamford has solved the problem Rodrigo was signed to.

In time it would be a surprise if the Brazil-born Spanish international did not lead the line but on Sunday he hinted he could plug a different gap in the squad.

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Pablo Hernandez has oozed midfield brilliance since joining from Al-Arabi three years ago but fighting the march of time is much harder for the 35-year-old.

Leeds United's Rodrigo (left) and Sheffield United's Jack Robinson battle for the ball (Picture: PA)Leeds United's Rodrigo (left) and Sheffield United's Jack Robinson battle for the ball (Picture: PA)
Leeds United's Rodrigo (left) and Sheffield United's Jack Robinson battle for the ball (Picture: PA)

Since football emerged from its coronavirus lockdown in June, Hernandez has only completed 90 minutes once, and that was wasted on a dead rubber at Derby County. So keen has Bielsa been to protect his prize playmaker that in June’s 3-0 win over Fulham, the half-time substitute was withdrawn with stoppage-time approaching. Rodrigo endured the same fate at Bramall Lane, but his was a tactical substitution.

Soft tissue injuries usually get more frequent and harder to recover from with age and when Fulham returned to Elland Road this month, Hernandez felt his groin in the warm-up and was pulled from the XI, not expected to play again until after October’s international break.

It is a concern Leeds have been aware of.

Rodrigo de Paul has been on their shopping list, but agreeing a price with Udinese has been impossible. Norwich City’s Todd Cantwell has been linked, but Bielsa refused to comment.

Aerial battle - Leeds United's Rodrigo (left) and Sheffield United's Chris Basham (Picture: PA)Aerial battle - Leeds United's Rodrigo (left) and Sheffield United's Chris Basham (Picture: PA)
Aerial battle - Leeds United's Rodrigo (left) and Sheffield United's Chris Basham (Picture: PA)
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Now reports in his homeland say talks have been productive with Bayern Munich’s 21-year-old Frenchman Michael Cuisance.

Sunday’s 1-0 win suggested Leeds do not need to rush negotiations. Disappointing against the Cottagers, Rodrigo excelled in Hernandez’s role in the second half of the derby.

“He showed more of the player he is,” said Bielsa. “He allowed attacks to finish in the opposition half. He helped us play better.

“He has the capacity to unbalance (teams) which he has not shown yet. As time goes on he will help to score goals and complete attacks.”

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It may only be a temporary solution, but it looks a good one.

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