Early days for Rodrigo and Leeds United but signs under Marcelo Bielsa are promising

Project Rodrigo is still in its infancy but after just six games and 322 minutes of Premier League action the signs are promising.

The Spaniard's adaptation period, as Marcelo Bielsa would say, has only really just begun in earnest, yet the £27m record signing has made an almost immediate impact.

When the 29-year-old put pen to paper on a four-year contract at Elland Road, he and supporters could've been forgiven for thinking his priority was to displace Patrick Bamford's as United's leading marksman.

Bamford, though, has started the top flight campaign in scintillating form, bagging seven goals in just eight appearances this term.

Rodrigo has instead found solace behind United's number nine and after a couple of early teething problems - a clumsy tackle at Anfield and a League Cup exit to Hull City - has shown signals of a player ready built for Bielsa-ball.

Few of those have walked the corridors of Thorp Arch in recent times.

Key roles in the build-up to goals at Sheffield United and Aston Villa were topped by his first Leeds goal against Manchester City at Elland Road last month.

His partnership with Bamford has also covered quick ground, and perhaps was the source of some frustration for Pablo Hernandez upon his substitution against Leicester City last week.

It has been 10 years since Rodrigo last tasted Premier League minutes with Bolton as a youngster, and his absence due to a positive coronavirus test against the Foxes and Crystal Palace was felt nearly as much as the gaping Kalvin Phillips' sized hole in Bielsa's midfield.

It is testament not only to himself, but perhaps also the transfer market Leeds are now competing in that his adjustment has been nearing on seamless.

Money buys quality, yet attitude under Bielsa will always be king.

"I have improved a lot as a professional and a person," Rodrigo said recently over his time spent with Wanderers.

"It was a long time ago I was here in Bolton. I was a young guy just starting as a professional football player.

"I have much more experience now. I lived great things in Benfica and Valencia. I won titles with both teams. I went to the national team also and have had the happiness to play in a World Cup.

"I feel a more complete player, which helped me prepare for this challenge in Leeds."

His previous experiences have made him the player he is now, but Bielsa is a demanding coach and with it changes must be made no matter the player.

Jack Harrison and Helder Costa are just two of those who have reaped the benefits of long-term investment from the Argentine along with many of the club's young academy stars.

As history shows, it wouldn't be unfair to say there is plenty more to come from Spain's front man.

"Of course," Rodrigo said over wanting to leave an impact on the Premier League.

"Everyone here wants to do the best for the club. I feel prepared for this new challenge with Leeds United in the Premier League, a different league. It's a very competitive league.

"I am working hard everyday with my teammates to do a great season as a club and to keep improving and growing as a player."