How Marcelo Biesla can help Leeds United forward Rodrigo to 'keep growing' at Elland Road

Rodrigo believes working with head coach Marcelo Bielsa is a chance for him to ‘keep growing’ after adjusting quickly to life at Elland Road.

Leeds United’s record signing has made six Premier League appearances for the Whites so far following his £27m summer switch from La Liga giants Valencia.

The 29-year-old bagged his first goal for the club against Manchester City last month and has struck up a strong partnership with leading marksman Patrick Bamford.

Rodrigo has been played by Bielsa behind United’s No 9, opting to utilise his skills as an attacking midfielder to complement his fellow striker’s abilities.

The Spanish international made headlines when he put pen to paper on a four-year contract in LS11, swapping the Mestalla for West Yorkshire in a surprise move.

Before his transfer the former Real Madrid academy product admitted to asking around about United’s world-renowned head coach, and says he hasn’t been disappointed by the experiences he has encountered so far.

“He’s a very good manager,” Rodrigo said last month on his early impressions of Bielsa.

“Before I came here I spoke with some team-mates that had already worked with him before.

“I feel really comfortable [at Leeds]. I think we are showing his way of training and his understanding of football is working in Leeds. I feel really comfortable to be here with him.”

Rodrigo has missed United’s last two outings against Leicester City and Crystal Palace - both games resulted in 4-1 defeats.

The front man was absent against the Foxes after coming into contact with someone who had tested positive for coronavirus.

It was then revealed he had contracted the virus himself, which left him in self-isolation away from the club in line with government guidelines.

Rodrigo, though, has returned to training at Thorp Arch in recent days and is in contention to start against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon as a busy period ahead of the festive season begins.

“It’s always important to work with people that have recognition from other people,” he added.

“I have had the luck to be trained by some good managers and with him [Bielsa] it is exactly the same.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to keep growing and keep improving.”