Phil Hay: 2 players force Leeds to divert budget for new signing elsewhere – originally posted on Sportslens.com
Leeds United were keen on signing a new No 10 following the departure of Pablo Hernandez, but have diverted their budget elsewhere due to the surge in form of Tyler Roberts and Rodrigo.
According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa had his two options in the duo for the position even with the Spanish veteran gone.
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Rodrigo surged back to life towards the end of last season, scoring four goals and assisting once in the last four Premier League games of the season.
The 30-year-old had scored just thrice and assisted once in 22 games prior to then, and Leeds would hope he continues the new season from where he stopped the last one.
The club-record signing had disappointed initially having failed to hit the ground running upon completing a £26 million move from Valencia last summer, but is now set to play a major role in 2021-22.
Rodrigo missed out on Spain’s Euro 2020 squad due to his late resurgence, and would be looking to replicate those top performances over the next 11 months in order to force his way back into the national team.
Roberts earned a new contract after improving too, and his return of two assists and a goal in 27 league games does not tell the whole story.
The 22-year-old penned a three-year deal last month and Leeds can count on him and Rodrigo going forward.
Bielsa is satisfied with the current No 10s he has, and the club will be looking to sign a new central midfielder instead.
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Author:Joseph Scott