What will Rodrigo bring to Leeds United?

Published on 09/07/2020 09:01:46

Leeds United have announced the signing of Spanish International Rodrigo from Valencia. The striker becomes Leeds record signing with a reported amount of 27 million pounds. The 29-year-old signed a four-year deal with Leeds United. Rodrigo played 220 games for Valencia after joining the Spanish side from Benfica in 2014. In this time, he scored 59 goals.

Leeds’s first season back in the Premier League is looking exciting with new incomings. Rodrigo is one of the most exciting players to look for next season in the Premier League. The Spaniard adds quality to Bielsa’s attack and also provides new dimensions in the attacking third. 

A look at the player’s abilities

Rodrigo is a fast, incisive striker with good dribbling skills as well. He can play anywhere across the front line. His pace makes him threatening while on wings, and his clever movement in-behind is a weapon when playing down the middle. At times when his side struggles to create, Rodrigo often drops deeper to collect the ball and then turn and run at opposition defenses. Overall, his versatility and pace could be excellent weapons for his side next season. 

Last season, in the La Liga, Rodrigo scored four goals in 27 appearances. He also assisted seven goals last season. Rodrigo was fouled one time per game because of his pace and running with the ball. The Spaniard also recorded a passing accuracy of 77% last season. 

How will he fit in at Leeds?

Leeds United under Bielsa plays in a passing system that requires a high level of movement in all positions. The role of the center-forward is to stretch the opposition to create space of onrushing attacking midfielders. Movement in-behind high lines is a crucial role of the striker in this Leeds side. Rodrigo’s pace will give an outlet to the likes of Kalvin Philips and Klich to play balls in behind. 

Through the wings, Rodrigo is more suited to the right side as his preferred foot is the left one. He runs at full-backs, drops a shoulder before taking a shot or crossing the ball with his left foot. In that way, Leeds could use him fruitfully down the wing by using his speed in-behind. Overall, Rodrigo’s role next season could be crucial for Leeds United.

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