Pundit makes ‘desperate’ Bielsa claim after embarrassing Rodrigo reveal at Leeds
Alan Hutton has slammed Rodrigo for his disappointing performance for Leeds United against Southampton on Saturday.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Aston Villa defender suggested Marcelo Bielsa would be “desperate” for Patrick Bamford to return after what he saw from the Spanish forward.
As detailed by WhoScored, Rodrigo, 30, managed to make just 22 touches in the 1-0 defeat to the Saints, fewer than any player in either starting XI.
Despite having less of the ball than anyone else, he still managed to lose possession four times, the joint second-highest figure among the Leeds players.
With Bamford out with an ankle injury, Rodrigo has led the line for Leeds’ last three games.
However, Hutton insisted the Spain international was “not good enough” against the Saints.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “This is an opportunity. When Bamford is fit, he’s going to play. We know Bielsa loves him.
“His aggression, he tries to win the ball back, everything. When he’s not playing and you’ve got an opportunity to, you need to grab it with both hands.
“Whether that be how hard you work, scoring goals, whatever you bring to the team. You have to go and show that in these opportunities.
“That’s not good enough, that’s the bottom line of it. It’s one where the manager will be desperate for Bamford to get back.”
Rodrigo is yet to score or contribute an assist in nine appearances for Leeds this season.
Meanwhile, Bamford, who netted 17 times last season, has one goal in five Premier League games this term.
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