Peter Crouch has told BT Sport that Georginio Rutter should stay at Leeds United this summer and help the club gain promotion from the Championship to the Premier League next season – after initially struggling at Elland Road.
Rutter, 21, ended the season without scoring for Leeds. Bought for a club-record fee in January, he managed just 13 outings. Only three starts have come his way, one of which was in the League – the 1-0 away defeat to Chelsea.
Failing to score, Rutter was incredibly unlucky in the 2-0 FA Cup loss to Fulham – hitting the post, and having a goal ruled out, harshly, due to a push from Weston McKennie. He has scored for the 21’s, and got an assist on Sunday.
Indeed, it was his hold-up play and pass that fed Jack Harrison – who lashed home an effort with his right foot. But having joined for a lot of money, there is of course criticism for Rutter – though, hardly his fault. Crouch commented.
“Some have come for a lot of money – Rutter especially. He’s struggled in the Premier League. He might go down to the Championship, bang a load of goals, come back to the Premier League full of confidence. Still a young man.”
Crouch: Rutter should stay at Leeds this summer, help gain promotion
Leeds currently have four first-team strikers on the books. Patrick Bamford, Rodrigo, Rutter and Joe Gelhardt. Mateo Joseph is a promising prospect coming through the 21’s, and is currently with England U20’s in Argentina.
There are options. Rodrigo is likely to go with 12 months left on his deal and relegation. Patrick Bamford has been the subject of death threats and he may decide, enough is enough. Gelhardt has struggled in the Championship.
Just three goals came his way at Sunderland, but he was used as a no.9 – but he is better as a striker playing off a centre-forward. Rutter could be the man to spearhead the attack in the second tier and get Leeds back up.
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