Rodrigo will 'make a difference' for Leeds United says Marcelo Bielsa

LEEDS UNITED head coach Marcelo Bielsa praised the impact of Rodrigo after his first goal of the club in a hugely entertaining 1-1 draw with Manchester City - and has backed him to make a real difference when he is fully up to speed with English football.
Marcelo Bielsa.Marcelo Bielsa.
Marcelo Bielsa.

Rodrigo, who joined the club in a £26m deal in August, struck just three minutes after coming off the bench early in the second half to cancel out Raheem Sterling's opener.

Prior to scoring, the Spanish international had hit the woodwork with a fierce drive and he would later strike the bar for a second time with a point-blank header, with Ederson getting a finger-tip to his effort.

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It was a hugely encouraging performance from Rodrigo and an outstanding response from Leeds, who overcome a difficult start to play a full part in a magnificent game of football as Bielsa's side continued their excellent opening to the Premier League campaign.

On Rodrigo's impact, Bielsa said: "Progressively, he will begin to show the great quality that he has.

"He had a very good start (against City) and perhaps the pace of the game hindered him towards the end of the (second) half.

"When he is able to play at a good physical level, I think he will make a difference."

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On his side's performance, the Argentine added: "It would not have been fair if we'd won this game.

"It was possible to win, but it would not have been fair.

"We had to find an immense physical effort to be on terms. Manchester City were the better team for half of the game.

"We had to survive at the beginning of the first half and end of the second half.

"At the beginning, we were not able to take the ball off them and they were able to take the ball off us easily.

"After, we were more aggressive in the duels as a whole."

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Commenting on a game which was a fine advert for the top-flight, the 65-year-old said: "We played our part for the game to be a beautiful and City also played a huge part in making the game beautiful.

"It is a very powerful team. Physically, mentally and technically.

"They play with a natural inclination to attack and are the type of team that always tries to win the game."

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