Primary Position – Centre-Forward

Other position(s) – Right-Winger, Support Striker

Last two seasons’ form – Games 60 / Goals 12 / Assists 15

Born in Brazil, Rodrigo moved to Spain in his early years and started playing for RC Celta Vigo’s youth team. He moved to Real Madrid in 2009 at the age of 18 where he started to play for their ‘C’ team. He was then promoted to Real Madrid Castilla, their ‘B’ team who played in the Second division. After 18 appearances and five goals, he moved to Benefica in July 2010 for €6 million. He was loaned to Bolton Wanderers right away where he made 17 Premier League appearances, scoring just one goal. He returned to Benefica for the 2011/12 season and made 67 league appearances for the Portuguese side over three seasons, notching 27 goals and 12 assists. He was loaned to Valencia for the 2014/15 campaign and the move was made permanent the following year for a fee of €30 million. He made 172 league appearances for the Spanish side, registering 38 goals and 33 assists. He had his best season in 2017/18 where he found the back of the net 16 times in the league. He made a total of 54 appearances in European competitions for Benefica and Valencia combined, registering 13 goals and seven assists. Capped by Spain in October 2014, he has made 22 appearances for the national side, scoring eight goals. Highly rated by Bielsa, he has been signed by Leeds for £27million ahead of the 2020/21 season.

On paper, Rodrigo’s numbers are bit underwhelming. 38 goals in 172 appearances is hardly prolific but it is worth mentioning the number of assists he registered as well (33). The striker is not a traditional centre-forward and excels in linking up and build-up play, something Bielsa values very highly. Valencia’s form over the last few years has been poor at times so that needs to be accounted for as well. He is a huge step up technically from what they have in Bamford and the fact that he is Spain’s number nine is also a testament to his ability. Leeds create a lot of scoring opportunities, Bamford missed 34 of the 44 ‘big chances’ afforded to him last season and it is unlikely Rodrigo will be as wasteful. 97 appearances for Valencia over the last three seasons is also encouraging from a fitness standpoint. A word of caution, it is unlikely Bielsa throws him into the starting lineup right away. The Argentine traditionally gives his signings time to get used to the demands of his system and minutes for Rodrigo might be sporadic initially.

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