Agbonlahor tips Leeds to axe 27-yr-old against Southampton and hand Rodrigo first start in months
Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Rodrigo Moreno to replace Patrick Bamford in the Leeds United starting XI against Southampton.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England striker insisted Bamford is in desperate need of a rest after a busy season.
Rodrigo replaced Bamford, 27, after an hour against Burnley with Leeds 2-0 up on Saturday.
The Spain international scored twice to wrap up a 4-0 win for the Whites at Turf Moor.
The 30-year-old has not started for Marcelo Bielsa’s side since suffering a groin injury against Leicester City at the end of January.
Bamford has not completed 90 minutes for Leeds in their last three games and Agbonlahor has insisted it is time he starts on the bench.
He told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “You could tell that Bamford needs a rest.
“He’s played so much football, so much hard training. It’s hard to go the whole season, especially the season we’ve had with the number of games.
“It’s definitely something he needs, a little rest.
“Rodrigo did very well so you have to hold your hands up to him.
“It’s time for him to start ahead of Bamford and that’s what could happen. It will be good for Leeds as a club and as a fanbase to see what Rodrigo can do.
“Give him two starts because you’ve got to look at next season as well.”
Speaking after his side’s win over Burnley, Bielsa said of Rodrigo: “He is at a very high level.
“One of the strikers for the Spanish national team and the Spanish national team is a powerhouse. ”
In other news, another Leeds United star has snubbed a long-term contract offer in a big blow.