Javi Gracia was ultimately a failure at Leeds United during his brief stint in the dugout but he got one thing right, and that was his prediction about Georginio Rutter – predicting he would become “brilliant”.
Rutter’s struggles were reciprocated by Leeds last season. Could not get going, glimpses of quality but nowhere near enough. Gracia could not get Leeds winning regularly, and ultimately, we were relegated.
For Rutter, it was one start in 13 outings. Often, coming on for the final few minutes. He was under a lot of pressure, none of it his own doing – but the decision to sign him for £35m in the January window.
But things have changed. Perhaps, it is playing against Championship opponents. But more likely, it is that Rutter has learnt the language and he is being given the platform to play on a more regular basis.
Speaking last season while in the Leeds dugout, Gracia was asked about Rutter – saying he would go on to have a “brilliant” future. He praised his character and of course, Rutter is beginning to show it.
“But I have to decide and try to choose what I think is best for the team. Georgi is working very well, he’s a good character, and I’m sure his future will be brilliant,” Gracia told a press conference, back in April.
Gracia predicted brilliant future for Rutter, now becoming true
Rutter has ben superb for Leeds this season. Two goals in eight games sounds a bit meh, but actually he has been excellent. Two assists alongside his two goals – but also, his overall games. Wonderful.
His assist against Watford summed it up. He actually teased the Watford midfield with his skill, little did they know he was opening up the space for Jaidon Anthony to score – after a perfectly-weighted pass.
The relationship with Joel Piroe is allowing him to drop in deep and Piroe go long or vice versa. He is not being made to play as a last man, just finishing chances. Rutter is on fire and Gracia got it bang on.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
