‘I don’t think he helps himself,’ says BBC analyst of Leeds player’s body language.
Georginio Rutter appears to be lacking confidence, according to Neil Redfearn, after failing to reach the back of the goal again for Leeds United on Saturday.
After the Whites’ goalless draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road this weekend, Redfearn spoke on BBC Radio Leeds.
Leeds were very dangerous against Ipswich Town last week, with all four starting attackers scoring. But there would be no repeat. Georginio Rutter was among those who had a dismal afternoon.
Rutter squandered several chances for the home team. It came on the heels of a difficult night in the Carabao Cup in which he missed multiple chances. In addition, his bad penalty was easily saved in the shootout.
Redfearn had some sympathy for the Frenchman. He stressed, however, that the 21-year-old could be doing a lot more to get himself out of his rut.
“He looks to me like a striker with absolutely no confidence, that’s what it looks like,” he said on BBC Radio Leeds. “He’s under a lot of pressure to score goals.” Regardless matter what people say – he’s not a striker, he’s this, he’s that – for £30-odd million, he’s got to be scoring a goal or two.
“He doesn’t appear to be going to finish.” So I have some sympathy for him, but I don’t think he helps himself all that much.
“I look at his body language; he doesn’t seem to be in a hurry.” I believe that you can sometimes work your way out of a dilemma. You may graft and close down for your team and be that person.
Leeds had simply one of those days against the Owls. And, sadly, as long-suffering supporters, many of us would have predicted this outcome. At halftime, there were undoubtedly fears of a recurrence of that game in our promotion-winning season, when Wednesday scored twice late to steal three points.
Rutter isn’t the only one who blew opportunities. However, the goal at Ipswich had the potential to be a watershed moment.
He has now established his account. However, any confidence gained from the goal may have vanished following his performances against Salford and Sheffield Wednesday.
Clearly, Rutter still has a lot of work to do before he can truly silence his critics.
