Marcelo Bielsa thinks one Leeds player has already proven his transfer fee

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Marcelo Bielsa has told his pre-Sheffield United press conference – as per Leeds Live – that he believes Rodrigo has already proved he is worth £27million despite a tricky first season at Elland Road.

Rodrigo, 30, joined the club from cash-strapped Valencia last summer and has since clocked up 22 appearances for the Whites. Injury, including a recent groin problem, and a positive test have hampered his progress at the club.

Indeed, the Spain international even missed out on the latest international call-up for his country – with his return from a somewhat long-term groin issue preventing him from returning to the starting line-up under Bielsa.

Reports from Spain have even claimed he has asked to leave Leeds, which he has now denied on Instagram – as per LeedsUnited.News. Bielsa was full of praise for Rodrigo and is of the opinion he has proven his transfer fee.

“He arrived in his best version,” Bielsa said. “He was at his best level prior to his injury at Leicester. The level he was at during that period was a very good one. For me, Rodrigo has already shown how important he can be to Leeds.

“Already justified with the abilities he has. His transfer fee. For me, it’s very difficult to obtain a player of his qualities in football at the moment. What happens is when a player goes a period without playing it’s difficult to absorb.”

TBR’s view – Rodrigo needs game time

He needs to start, he needs to play and as Bielsa says, with that momentum he can return to his best form. But clearly,  Rodrigo is not the type of player that can instantly produce his best – he needs time to reach that level.

Should he continue to feature on the bench, Rodrigo will not be able to regain his best form and is overall Leeds spell will only to continue to dwindle. Bielsa must be patient, and hand him a starting berth for the remaining games.