Leeds United forward Georginio Rutter “needs help” up front to start finding the back of the net, says BBC Radio Leeds’ Adam Pope.
Rutter, signed for a club record £35.5m from Hoffenheim in January, has struggled for goals since arriving at Elland Road. He is yet to score in 6 Premier League appearances for the Whites, and often looks isolated in the no.9 slot he was bought to – presumably – occupy.
He has come close, however. In an FA Cup fifth round clash with Fulham last Tuesday, Rutter had a goal controversially disallowed after a push on Harry Wilson from Weston McKennie in the build up. He also saw an impressive looping header hit the woodwork in the same match.
Overall though, the young Frenchman has failed to make an instant impact on the Elland Road faithful. The 20-year-old has been forced into action much sooner than perhaps even he expected however, after injuries to fellow strikers Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo saw him lead the line as part of the starting XI against Chelsea over the weekend.
Pope believes Rutter is a player of considerable technical ability, yet still needs time to adapt to a new style of play after transitioning to the Premier League from the Bundesliga.
“I think at times you could say he looks a bit isolated which you could also say about Bamford recently. The delivery wasn’t coming in either, very poor delivery wise,” he said on the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet Podcast.
“There was little for him to feed off. Not much sticks, he needs help.
At the moment it’s a mantle that seems too heavy for him I would say and we’re expecting too much on the back of Rodrigo and Bamford not being available at this point. It doesn’t look like he’s ready for that role for me right now.”
Rutter will be hoping he can end his search for a first Leeds goal when Roberto De Zerbi’s high-flying Brighton side travel to face the Whites at Elland Road this Saturday.
