Georginio Rutter has become a fan favourite at Leeds United this season after a difficult start in Yorkshire and the Frenchman admits he has struggled to cope with one thing since his arrival.
The 22-year-old has been quite incredible this season, having a hand in 26 goals in 50 games for The Whites. That is despite being asked to play up front and in the 10 role, having to adapt to both roles.
His infectious personality, his Harry Potter celebration, his supporting of The 49ers in the Super Bowl and so many other moments throughout the campaign have seen Leeds fans grow to love the club’s no.20.
But it didn’t start that way at Elland Road. Rutter signed for a club-record fee from Hoffenheim and initially struggled, unable to speak the language and joining a side constantly changing the manager.
He had no chance, in a side that were destined for relegation. Now, Rutter responded in an interview with ITV on whether the club-record has had an impact on his form on the pitch since moving to Yorkshire.
Georginio Rutter admits struggling with weight of club-record fee
He did initially, as fans questioned his arrival when really with relegation staring Leeds in the face, they needed to go and spent the money they spent on Rutter on a more-experienced Premier League striker.
One that would guarantee a few goals between January and the end of the season and hand Leeds a chance of survival. Instead, they bought Rutter and he managed one Premier League start for Leeds.
But this season, Rutter is proving his worth and he said that it is hard to deal with the pressure in English football: “You know it’s hard [dealing with record fee] when you come from a country with no pressure.
“Here, there is pressure you know. It’s the best football in the world, it’s like the NBA for football. It’s hard when you come for a big price but you know, I choose this sport so I have to be ready for that,” he said.
What Daniel Farke said about Rutter’s recent dip in Leeds form
Ahead of the play-offs, Rutter had struggled to rediscover his best form after undergoing a minor hernia surgery in the March international break. Nine league games in a row without scoring, or creating.
That is if his winning of a penalty in the 4-3 win over Middlesbrough doesn’t count. But last Thursday, Rutter scored a third for Leeds with his weaker foot to book a place in the final against Southampton.
After the 4-0 win over Norwich, Farke commented on his struggles in recent weeks: “Two or three times he looked good in training and played badly in games. Lost his shape. He has had such a great season.
“As long as you work that hard to help the team, we will always back, support him. One of our key players. Not like I don’t back him in our 48th game. Our key players need our backing to win their rhythm back.”
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