The Spaniard’s debut campaign in England saw him being sidelined for multiple spells through injury and illness, but he finished the season on a strong note with a string of eye-catching displays.
However, Rodrigo has struggled to make a similar impact so far this season in his three Premier League starts, while being deployed in an attacking midfield role.
Despite his struggles, Leeds boss Bielsa sees positives in Rodrigo’s displays and stressed he values his contributions on the pitch, with the way he tries to be always be involved in attack.
Bielsa explained that Rodrigo is succeeding in creating more attacking chances for Leeds as he is constantly on the lookout for opportunities.
“Rodrigo from my point of view, even though I substituted him, played a very positive first half [against Liverpool]”, Bielsa told a press conference.
“For a striker it’s very difficult to receive the ball and create danger and I give a lot of value to those actions.
“Rodrigo had ten interventions of this type.
“He was close to creating danger. In none of the actions did he manage to accomplish it.
“I give a lot of value to his constant looking.
“After all, you can fail to shine by not finishing the chances or you can fail to shine by not generating chances.
“And Rodrigo in the first half of the last game created a lot of chances that would have imagined us scoring a goal.”
Leeds take on Newcastle United in the top flight on Friday and it remains to be seen whether Rodrigo will be handed another start.
