---
title: "Leeds: Noel Whelan backs Rodrigo to shine next season"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-noel-whelan-backs-rodrigo-to-shine-next-season/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Leeds United News"
published: "2021-05-11T13:10:18Z"
modified: "2021-05-11T13:10:18Z"
---

# Leeds: Noel Whelan backs Rodrigo to shine next season

**Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has tipped Rodrigo to shine for the Whites next season, despite a tricky first year at Elland Road.**

### The Lowdown: Tough first season

The 30-year-old arrived at Leeds last summer as the [most expensive signing](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leeds-united/transferrekorde/verein/399) in the club’s history, joining for a sizeable [£27m](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leeds-united/transferrekorde/verein/399) from Valencia.

Big things were expected of Rodrigo, but he has experienced an underwhelming season, [scoring just four goals](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/rodrigo/alletore/spieler/131505) in 25 appearances. One of those did come in last Saturday’s 3-1 win over Tottenham, though, suggesting that he may have rid himself of his [injury problems](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/rodrigo/verletzungen/spieler/131505) and rediscovering his confidence.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”355460″\]

### The Latest: Rodrigo backed to come good

Whelan is confident that Rodrigo will turn things around at Elland Road, telling [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/whelan-tips-rodrigo-to-be-brilliant-next-season-after-what-hes-seen-at-leeds/) that he could explode next season. He said:

> “It was a brilliant finish from a brilliant player on Saturday. It was emphatic and you could not tell that he had been out for that long.
>
> “If anyone deserved something to go right for him it was Rodrigo. I think he really needed that goal, more than anybody in that squad. He needed that for his confidence, his self-belief and his general happiness at the club.
>
> “He has been in and out this season because of Covid, injuries etc. There is nobody that needed it more than him.
>
> “I really hope he now kicks on until the end of the season. If he finishes strongly, I expect him to show everyone why we broke our transfer record to sign him.
>
> “He needs to prove to the fans that £29million was well spent. Come next season I expect to see a lot more from him and that is what we need. If you are going to be the top earner at a club and the record signing, you have got to prove you’re worth it.”

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### The Verdict: Plenty more still to come

Assuming Rodrigo stays put this summer, there is no reason why he can’t be a key player for Leeds next season. His pedigree speaks for itself, with [eight goals](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/rodrigo/profil/spieler/131505) in 25 caps for Spain, not to mention being prolific in La Liga, enjoying [100 goal involvements](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/rodrigo/alletore/spieler/131505) for Valencia.

Patrick Bamford needs competition in attack to ease the burden on him, and a fit Rodrigo could battle the 27-year-old in 2021/22, hopefully justifying the money spent on him (along with Whelan’s faith) and also meaning that Leeds won’t need to sign another striker.

***In other news, one pundit has been talking up the prospect of Leeds signing a left-back this summer. Find out who it is [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-transfer-rumours/leeds-kevin-campbell-talks-up-potential-alex-moreno-signing/).***