Ruben Rodrigues says he is not concerned about his lack of goals for Notts County to start the season, explaining that he is “enjoying” being more of the provider in the team.
The Portuguese midfielder amassed 19 goals in the National League last term for the Magpies, but his goal at Woking on Saturday was just his second this season. However, the 26-year-old has taken on a slightly different role in Luke Williams’ team, with Macaulay Langstaff arriving in the summer and picking up the mantle as County’s main goalscorer.
This has left Rodrigues to contribute in different ways playing off the wing and acting more as a creative presence within the team, drawing defenders with his on-the-ball abilities rather than being the man to find in the middle of the box.
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With County sitting top of the National League table with just one defeat from their first 13 games, Rodrigues is not going to waste energy worrying about his goal tally for the season but is still confident he will find the net more often as the year progresses.
“I think I’ve missed a couple of big opportunities,” said Rodrigues. “I’ve been unlucky also in the Solihull game, and I probably should have had one more [against Woking]. At the end of the day, it is more important that I play well and we win.
“I think I have been more consistent this season. Of course, it bothers me a little bit that I haven’t scored more goals, but I’m sure it will come, and I am still confident that I’ll score more.
“I know my place in the team, my role, and I know who the main goal-scorer is, so as long as I am providing for him, I am happy. I think I’m playing in a different role to last season, and I’m enjoying it way more, if I’m being honest.
“The level of discipline and the mentality of the team are hugely different this season, and I think the gaffer has done a great job with us, and the hard work we’ve put in means that we can outwork teams in games. We’re stronger as a team, and something just feels different about this year.”
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