Rodrigo sent a “clear message” to Leeds United manager Sam Allardyce with his goal against Manchester City on Saturday (6 May).
The striker started on the bench for the Premier League clash at the Etihad, with Patrick Bamford handed a starting role in Allardyce’s first match in charge.
But after being introduced in the 58th minute, replacing young attacker Wilfried Gnonto, Rodrigo found the back of the net five minutes from time.
“After being overlooked for a starting spot at the Etihad Stadium, Rodrigo sent a clear message to the head coach after stepping into the fray as a substitute,” Jackson wrote for Leeds Live.
“The Spaniard only had one chance in the game, but he took it with aplomb, latching onto Junior Firpo’s knockdown before burying the ball in the bottom corner of Ederson’s net.
“It was an example of the finishing ability he has showcased all season and with 14 goals to his name in all competitions, he has every right to feel hard done by when he is named on the bench.
“He’s proven himself to be Leeds’ most dangerous, reliable, and consistent in front of goal, and the Whites have found themselves relying on his ruthless edge all too often.”
Rodrigo must start
It should be clear by now to whoever is in the Leeds dugout that Rodrigo must start every game for the Whites when fit, with the striker undoubtedly one of the most talented players at the club, and importantly the one who can get you a goal out of nothing.
How Leeds play is irrelevant right now, with a few clean sheets and a few goals as their only objectives in the weeks to come.
A clean sheet may be very hard to come by against Eddie Howe’s free-scoring Newcastle side, so the Whites will definitely be relying heavily on also finding the back of the net in their upcoming clash.
Fortunately for Allardyce, he has a striker of real quality in Rodrigo, with the Spaniard proving his ability to the boss in his brief cameo against Manchester City.
Scoring a goal against Pep Guardiola’s side is no mean feat, and it will be a similarly difficult task against the Magpies, but Leeds at least has a chance with Rodrigo starting in the final third.
In other Leeds United news, Tony Dorigo has predicted Allardyce to use Max Wober in an unfamiliar role for the Whites against Newcastle.
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