Georginio Rutter is the man thought to be on top of Leeds United’s transfer wish list at this moment in time. The Whites are assessing other options, but Rutter is the man getting the most traction, with reports claiming a deal could be close.
According to a statement released by Hoffenheim on Sunday afternoon, Leeds aren’t the only team interested in the Frenchman, but they are being linked strongest with the striker being pulled out of training while the speculation continues. But, how would Leeds line-up should they get their man this month?
Here’s a few ways Rutter could fit into Jesse Marsch’s starting XI at Elland Road.
Read more: Jesse Marsch facing up to familiar Leeds United dilemma ahead of Aston Villa
The lone striker
Possible front four: Gnonto, Rodrigo, Sinisterra; Rutter
If Leeds are to break their transfer record to land the France Under-21 international, it makes sense to play him in his favoured centre-forward role. He has spent most of the season playing with an attacking partner in the Bundesliga, but he is able to play on his own up front and his pace and ability to run at defenders could cause issues for Premier League defenders.
Rodrigo’s versatility means he can drop back to play a deeper supporting role if needed to accommodate the new man, but such roles don’t have to be so rigid. Rutter drifts wide on occasions to get on the ball before looking to cut inside on his left foot and create issues.
That could allow Rodrigo to push up through the middle and get on the end of chances, as he has done so well this season. Given Rodrigo’s status as the club’s top scorer, with 11 to his name this season, altering his role might not sit well with most, but Rutter’s game would allow him to get into those areas where he can make a difference, it seems.
Willy Gnonto’s form has seen him pin down his spot in the side at present, while Marsch has options on the other flank, with Luis Sinisterra returning from injury to join the likes of Jack Harrison, Crysencio Summerville and even Brenden Aaronson in competing for a place in the side.
Rodrigo partnership
Possible front two: Rodrigo, Rutter
Rutter’s arrival would certainly give Marsch attacking options and one of them would be to play a front two. Whether that would be in a more traditional 4-4-2, with wingers available to push forward in support, or as a 3-5-2 with Leeds’ attacking full-backs being the chief flank threats, it’s fair to say both are on the table.
The 20-year-old has spent the majority of the season in the latter system, alongside Croatia international Andrej Kramaric, and therefore he knows how to combine with another frontman and how to get the best out of himself and others in such a role. It’s not a system Rodrigo would be overly familiar with, though, and the same could be a said about a majority of the Leeds’ line-up.
However, the Spaniard is versatile and his flexibility would give Marsch confidence should he opt for such a formation.
Inside forward
Possible front three: Sinisterra, Rodrigo, Rutter
Rutter is more of an inside forward than a traditional number nine it seems, given his tendency to move into wide areas to receive possession and therefore he might be best used in attacking three. That would allow Rodrigo to stay put through the middle, while giving one of Leeds’ wide men an attacking license on the other flank.
He’s left-footed so it would make sense to see him cutting in from the right and then either driving the ball towards the box or picking his head up and bringing others into play. He’s a strong dribbler, with a powerful stride and the ability to beat a man, and it seems he has the build to be able to cope the rough and tumble of the Premier League.
This option certainly seems to fit into the 4-3-3 system we have seen Marsch deploy with regularity since the World Cup break.
Impact sub
Possible front four: Gnonto, Aaronson, Sinisterra; Rodrigo
Rutter’s price tag is a substantial one, but he’s still only 20 years of age and Marsch may look to ease him into life at West Yorkshire slowly, if he were to sign. As such, while he would still have a big say on the remainder of the campaign, he could be used in a bench role, stepping into the side and looking to make things happen against tired legs.
That would allow Marsch to retain a relatively settled starting XI safe in the knowledge that he has the ability and talent to change things when he deems fit. It’s a role Rutter has played on occasions for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga this season and that could be the immediate plan while he continues to settle in the Premier League.
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