Karl Robinson has lauded Rodrigo following his spell as Leeds United assistant boss, insisting that the forward went up in his estimation for the pain he played through.
Robinson was speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post following his stint at Elland Road at the very end of last season.
Rodrigo was ultimately one of the only players to emerge from the last campaign with any credit. The Spaniard finished as our top goalscorer by quite some distance.
Unfortunately, it was not enough to keep Leeds up. But you certainly could not question the 32-year-old’s effort to try and give the Whites a chance.
Robinson lauds Rodrigo after Leeds stint
Of course, there was a time leading up the final day of the season where we wondered whether we would have a striker to lead the line against Tottenham.
Patrick Bamford came off injured against West Ham. And Rodrigo ended that same game by seemingly being barely able to run.
Nevertheless, Rodrigo managed to get through the 90 minutes against Spurs. And his determination to be involved clearly left a mark on Robinson as he discussed the issues the squad faced.
“I think injuries at key stages were important as well. Losing Stuart Dallas is a big loss for Leeds United, not just his talent but his personality. Liam Cooper was out for key periods, losing Tyler Adams was a big loss. Seeing the pain Rodrigo played in, that man has gone up in my estimation so much. He was incredible,” he told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
There are a few players in the squad probably set to leave who can arguably move on with their heads held high. Rodrigo did not have the easiest time at Leeds. But he stepped up in a big way last year.
You could not question his effort or work-rate. And Robinson’s comments are great to hear because fans just want to see the players give everything for the cause.
It is not a huge consolation given how the season ended. But Rodrigo still deserves a lot of credit.
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