Noel Whelan has said on BBC Radio Leeds (8:06pm, May 18, 2021) that Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa has a big decision to make regarding Rodrigo’s position.
The former Leeds striker, who now works as a pundit for BBC Radio Leeds, believes that Bielsa needs to decide whether Rodrogo is best as a number 9 or as a number 10.
The Spain international can play as a striker, winger and attacking midfielder, and the 30-year-old is very good in all positions.
The former Valencia star provided a wonderful assist for Patrick Bamford to score in the 73rd minute against Southampton today.
Rodrigo came on as a substitute for Bamford against Burnley at the weekend and scored twice at Turf Moor.
Whelan said on BBC Radio Leeds (8:06pm, May 18, 2021): “That’s the big dilemma, isn’t it? And the big decision we have got to make because tonight we saw a pass that was from a number 10.
“Two goals at the weekend we saw from a number 9 player. He himself says he is a number 10. I think he can play both.
“I think he is one of these players that is never going to stick up against a centre-half and play back to him, he is always going to come into that number 10 role.”
If Bielsa plays with one striker upfront, then Bamford has to be the number 9.
The former Chelsea and Nottingham Forest man is a natural striker, and given the season he is having, it would be harsh of Bielsa to drop him from the starting lineup in 2020-21 and play Rodrigo instead.
The Spaniard is best used as the creative player behind Bamford who can also push forward and contribute with goals.
Bamford has scored 16 goals and provided seven assists in the Premier League this season.
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