Rodrigo’s first year with Leeds United has been a rollercoaster ride. And although he has yet to live up to the billing, the 30-year-old still has time to improve.
Even that it was just his first year with the Whites here in the Premier League, there are still fans who expect a lot out from him considering his hefty price tag.
The 30-year-old forward arrived last year via a four-year deal for a club-record fee of 30-M Euros after spending five years with La Liga side Valencia.
Rodrigo was brought in to provide major competition to top scorer Patrick Bamford. However, he has yet to hit his full stride due to some unforeseen circumstances.
He finished last season on a strong note but he is expected to be even better with a year of experience under his belt. If there’ll be a time to where he can showcase his full capabilities, 2021/22 may be the year.
Leeds United will continue to march on after a splendid first season back in English top-flight. But if they’re going to bolster their SBOTOP Premier League 2021 odds next term, Rodrigo has to play a key role to their rise.
Injuries and COVID-19 didn’t do Rodrigo any favours
Along with the adjustment of moving to England, Rodrigo wasn’t able to get his feet wet from the beginning due to injuries and COVID-19.
A positive COVID-19 test stopped him on his tracks in early November and he had to sit out a couple of fixtures since he was undergoing self-isolation.
When he was done complying with the health and safety protocols, then came the international break which prevented him from strengthening his camaraderie and chemistry with his teammates at West Yorkshire.
Rodrigo represented the Spanish national team and they had a busy schedule in late November, playing in an international friendly against Netherlands followed by a couple of UEFA Nations League games against Switzerland and Germany.
Upon his return at Elland Road, Rodrigo would string together 10 starts across December and January. However, it was evident that he needed more time to get acclimated since he was reportedly still feeling the lasting effects of the coronavirus at that time.
Even with the COVID-19 after-effects, Rodrigo’s potential to succeed under Marcelo Bielsa was undeniable due to his pace and creativity, and it was shown during their game against Newcastle United.
But come the next match versus Crystal Palace, Rodrigo had to sit out anew due to a groin injury that he sustained at the 18th minute when he was just stretching forward for a pass.
The Brazilian-born forward spent the next four weeks on the sidelines and he would return by March.
Rodrigo’s late campaign was encouraging
Upon his return, Rodrigo took his time with the Whites. And in their games from March to May, the 30-year-old was used sparingly by Marcelo Bielsa but his minutes ramped up in every succeeding game.
But eventually he’d find his breakthrough moment when he scored in the 84th minute against Tottenham last May.
Fresh from the said victory, Rodrigo recorded his first brace for the club one week later to spearhead Leeds United in their 4-0 thrashing against Burnley.
His excellent outing at Turf Moor had Elland Road fans in delight as it served as a reminder in some time of his quality and as to why Leeds United broke the bank for him.
To cap off the 2020/21 season, Rodrigo scored another goal in their 3-1 win against West Brom for their last Premier League fixture.
Rodrigo finished his first year in West Yorkshire with seven goals, with four of them coming in the final four matches.
Where does Rodrigo fit in moving forward?
Especially late last season, Rodrigo showed everyone that when he stays fit, he can be a force to be reckoned with.
Rodrigo is poised to do better since he now has a full pre-season with the squad, which puts Marcelo Bielsa in an interesting conundrum.
It’s been well-known that the Whites are searching for a backup centre-forward to give rest to Patrick Bamford from time to time, but perhaps they no longer need to look at the transfer market since they have someone with Rodrigo’s quality.
Bielsa can have either one of them leading the line, or better yet, put them together in the starting XI to create even more Premier League 2021 highlights.
Rodrigo recently revealed that he will revert back to his favorite #19 with club icon Pablo Hernandez leaving. And hopefully that number change comes with a rejuvenated Rodrigo for the Whites next season.
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