Whelan: Leeds stars frustrated with ‘big problem’ Rodrigo after what I’ve seen
Noel Whelan has insisted Rodrigo Moreno needs to adapt his game to continue playing as a centre-forward for Leeds United.
The former Leeds hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 30-year-old’s tendency to drop deep is hurting, rather than helping, his teammates.
Rodrigo has led the line for Leeds in the absence of the injured Patrick Bamford and celebrated deliriously after dispatching a last-minute penalty equaliser in today’s 1-1 Premier League draw against Wolves.
He had kept his place in the starting XI for the home clash with Wolves.
Raphinha returned to the lineup in an attacking midfield role, with Tyler Roberts dropped.
Whelan insisted Rodrigo’s desire to drop deep was hurting those operating in the number 10 role.
He suggested the Spain international needs to focus on running in behind defenders to help his teammates.
“I don’t think we’ve hit the highs we did last year,” Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“I don’t think we’ve got the passing movements going like we did right now. We’re kind of fighting the form a little bit. At time we see it but not enough over 90 minutes.
“We need to cut out the little mistakes, we need to find that rhythm in our game that we had last season.
“For Rodrigo, I would rather he has five touches and scores one goal. I think he needs to not come into play so much. Try and stay on the shoulders of defenders, try and take them a little bit deeper.
“Running in behind, whether you get the ball or not, is creating the space for midfield players to exploit and move into. Your number 10 likes to go into there.
“Instead of bringing defenders into the number 10’s position and area, take them away from there. His natural game is to come short. So I can’t blame him for that because that’s what he’s done most of his career.
“I think service has got to be better. We’ve got to retain the ball better. That is the biggest problem right now.”
In other news, pundit tips Leeds United to complete striker signing after confirmed injury news.