Jon Newsome has heaped praise on Georginio Rutter after Leeds United’s win over Norwich City, insisting that the forward is really becoming a player.
Newsome was speaking on BBC Radio Leeds after the Whites came from 2-0 down to take the three points at Carrow Road.
Georginio Rutter did not get on the scoresheet against the Canaries. But once again, he really threatened to steal the show with some of his touches and play in the build-up.
It was Rutter who gave Daniel James the ball before Leeds’ first goal. And he started the breakaway for Crysencio Summerville’s winner late on.
Rutter looks like a completely different player this season. It is almost remarkable to think now of how far out of his depth he seemed to be during the latter stages of our Premier League campaign.
Georginio Rutter lauded after Leeds win
It would have surprised some when the Frenchman ended up staying in the summer. But it has been an absolute joy to watch him so far this season. And it has been brilliant to see how much he is enjoying his football.
And Jon Newsome suggested that Rutter really is showing why Leeds brought him to the club in the first place with his performances this season.
“Great, another good performance. I think he’s one of those players that, at times, he does the sublime and then at times, he does the ridiculous. And he really does make you pull your hair out at times, and at other times, you’re on your feet applauding him,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.
“It’s great to see him growing in. The lad had a really tough start to his career. Last season, I was scratching my head and thinking I don’t see a player there really. But he’s found his feet. He’s learning the game. I think it’s tough, you’re a young lad, you come to a new country. It’s a different way of life, different way of living, massive price-tag on his head, which wasn’t his fault. That’s not what he did. And he found it tough. And he found it tough in the toughest league in the world.
“We’ve dropped down as a football club. And he’s had to drop down at the football club. He’s gaining confidence, he’s understanding the game. He’s learning about the game in this country. And he’s becoming a player, he really, really is.”
Year in the Championship may really benefit Leeds forward
Rutter’s form in the early stages of this season does little to change the fact that he was the wrong signing when Leeds were facing a fight to stay in the Premier League. Obviously, that is not his fault.
But he is one player who looks set to really benefit from a year in the Championship. He looks to be a completely different player in the second tier. And he is gaining some real confidence.
Hopefully, our stay in the second tier – as enjoyable as it has been so far – is brief. And if that is the case, Rutter will be returning to the Premier League with a point to prove.
And although he remains a work in progress, it is going to be fascinating to see what Rutter could do against the best teams in the country.
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