A big reason as to why Leeds United have missed Patrick Bamford so much is because Rodrigo hasn’t proven an adequate replacement.
The Spain international joined Leeds in a £30 million deal during the summer of 2020.
And although he hasn’t always been used as a number nine, 10 Premier League goals since arriving in West Yorkshire tells its own story.
The former Valencia striker struggled again today as United kicked off the Jesse Marsch era with a 1-0 defeat away to Leicester City.
Rodrigo, playing as a number 10, didn’t offer anywhere near as much penetration from attacking midfield as he should’ve done and, according to Sofa Score, lost possession on 13 occasions for the visitors.
Leeds’ problems without Bamford – who was on the bench after being out since December – continue.
And former Whites player Neil Aspin has said that he simply doesn’t offer enough going forward.
He told BBC Radio Leeds: “He hasn’t done enough since being here. I think that’s fair to say. We’re expecting more from him.
“Everytime he starts we’re expecting something. We can see he has some ability but he hasn’t produced enough in a Leeds shirt. We’re always wanting a little more from him. That’s been the constant theme.”
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