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2 goals, 2 chances created: Rodrigo impresses as second Leeds United audition presents itself

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There were two dropped points for Leeds United on Saturday, as a mixed afternoon unfolded at St Mary’s.

Leeds had lost Patrick Bamford to an injury inside the opening half-hour of their 2-2 draw with Southampton, but moved into a two-goal lead early in the second-half through Rodrigo.

Jesse Marsch’s second stand-in captain of the afternoon flicked a Jack Harrison shot beyond Gavin Bazunu seconds after half-time, before nodding in from close range after Pascal Struijk got the first touch on a Brenden Aaronson corner.

There would be a late Leeds surrender, though, with Southampton hauling themselves level and snatching a point.

Despite that, Rodrigo moved to the top of the goalscoring charts in the Premier League and was one Leeds player to continue his impressive start to the season.

The stats backed that up, too, with Wyscout outlining how the 31-year-old’s two goals came from a busy seven touches in the penalty area.

There were two chances created for Bamford prior to him going off injured, with Rodrigo pulling the strings early on. The Spanish international received a total of 20 passes and made 27 passes himself at a success rate of 78%. He was progressive with those, too, with only five backwards.

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Rodrigo's competitive Leeds debut came against Liverpool?

At the start of the second-half, Rodrigo moved forward into Bamford’s position leading the line. Harrison to his left, Daniel James on the right and Aaronson more central.

It was a tactic that worked for Leeds and they reaped the benefits in the 46th minute as clever movement saw Rodrigo get on the end of Harrison’s cross. Later in the half, his thirst for goals was underlined as he nodded in Struijk’s goal-bound header.

That thirst for goals is going to be particularly important for Leeds if Bamford is missing. Rodrigo failed to truly step out of his shadow last season and will want to make up for that this term.

Bamford brings more than goals, of course, with his ability to set the tone out of possession. Rodrigo’s numbers have been good in the first two league games, with three recoveries and four interceptions in comparison to Bamford’s five and two.

If it is to be Rodrigo easing the burden and reliance on Bamford, he needs to maintain these types of levels. He failed his audition last season but has another bite at the cherry.

On a mixed afternoon on the South Coast, he stepped up and showed Leeds his worth.

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Leeds United Season Ticket Holder at Elland Road for over 20 seasons. Currently nestled in N12, but occasionally offering views from the press box. We’ve been through it all together? You bet.