Rodrigo: Leeds employee blown away by ‘different side’ of £29m man v Aston Villa
Noel Whelan was blown away by Rodrigo Moreno’s stamina and fitness levels for Leeds United against Aston Villa on Wednesday.
The former Leeds striker and club ambassador, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted he saw a “different side” to the 30-year-old versus the Villans.
The Spain international played the full game at Villa Park and set up Dan James for the Whites’ opener in the 3-3 draw.
A brace from the Wales international ensured Leeds left with a point, having been 3-1 down at one stage.
However, Whelan insisted Rodrigo, who cost a reported £29m in 2020, deserves huge praise for his role in the result.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “You’re talking about hunger, quality and the endurance to get through the 90 minutes. That’s what we paid for, that’s the Rodrigo that we expect.
“He’s set his standard of quality on the ball, running off the ball, the amount of distance he travelled on the field. This is what we expect from a quality, top-class, international player.
“He really did show a different side to him that evening that we’ve not really seen since he’s come to the club. The willingness to get on the ball, the bravery getting on the ball in tight situations, linking up play.
“It was excellent all across the board and that is what we paid £29million for. That Rodrigo, on that evening. He’s got to keep that going until the end of the season now.
“That’s the fittest I’ve seen him since he’s come to the club.”
Rodrigo has played 18 times across all competitions for Leeds this season.
He did not feature at all during December as a heel injury curtailed his campaign.
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