Rodrigo steps up match minutes as first team stars fire Leeds United Under-23s to victory

The Whites were in development squad were in action on Monday afternoon.
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Leeds United forward Rodrigo stepped up his match minutes on Monday as the Whites development side toppled West Brom 2-1 at Thorp Arch.

The Elland Road club record signing returned to Marcelo Bielsa's first team squad against Arsenal at the weekend following a period of self-isolation due to a positive coronavirus test.

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Rodrigo was a second half substitute in the Premier League encounter, as United played out a 0-0 draw with Mikel Arteta's outfit.

Leeds United forward Rodrigo. Pic: Leeds UnitedLeeds United forward Rodrigo. Pic: Leeds United
Leeds United forward Rodrigo. Pic: Leeds United

The 29-year-old was back in game action at the club's training ground less than 24 hours later for the visit of the Baggies at development level.

Bielsa admitted post-match following the Gunners stalemate that he needed more minutes in a bid to regain full fitness after his swift return to the senior set-up.

"When he left the team he was growing in the team," Bielsa revealed.

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"Every game he was playing better and the rhythm of competition, you don’t obtain this quickly. It took him a few games to get him to the level he was at against Aston Villa.

"I think that he needs a progression of a different amount of minutes to get back the level he was prior."

Mark Jackson named Rodrigo in the starting line-up against Albion while Ian Poveda - who also featured late on Sunday - began the game.

The visitors, though, took the lead after just 10 minutes with Cheikh Diaby firing a volley past Kiko Casilla from inside the box.

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United pushed to find a leveller as Liam McCarron twice went close before Niall Huggins fired wide from the penalty spot after a clever touch from Rodrigo.

The Spaniard was replaced along with Poveda and Leif Davis at the interval with 45 minutes deemed enough.

Pascal Struijk, Helder Costa and Tyler Roberts were introduced and it was the latter two who combined to have an impact on the match.

Roberts finally hauled a dominant Leeds back into the game 10 minutes from time with a lovely finish with the outside of his boot after good work from Huggins down the left.

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Costa then completed the comeback six minutes later as a fine solo effort gave the hosts a deserved advantage with the clock running down.

The winger drove past a number of visiting defenders before calmly slotting home from close-range to claim all three points.

Jackson's team sit alongside Middlesbrough at the top of Group 2 in the Premier League 2 pyramid but have played one game more than their counterparts.

The Teesiders and Whites have amassed 16 points so far this term in the battle for promotion to Group 1.

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