LEEDS, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 16: Detail view of the Leeds United club badge on the corner flag prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Newcastle United at Elland Road on December 16, 2020 in Leeds, England.The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Rui Vieira - Pool/Getty Images)
‘I didn’t realise’: Jermaine Beckford explains how Georginio Rutter has surprised him at Leeds
Jermaine Beckford told Leeds United’s Matchday Preview show that Georginio Rutter’s pace has surprised him this season, as the Frenchman has continued to impress since the Whites were demoted.
Rutter, 21, has emerged as a crucial performer for Leeds this season, contributing to five League goals in 10 appearances. His ability to enter the game and link it up, bringing in Joel Piroe and others, has been essential.
Daniel Farke has made it plain that his ambition is not to win the golden boot, but to offer Leeds the capacity to score goals from everywhere on the field. Piroe, Cree Summerville, and many others have contributed to our cause.
Even Dan James got his first of the season on Saturday. Prior to the 2-1 win over Bristol City at Elland Road on Saturday, Beckford was full of praise in his verdict of Rutter – his pace surprising Beckford.
“It’s one of the best forward lines in the Championship and would test some Premier League sides. Especially, Georginio Rutter. He is playing with a smile on his face. Holding the ball up really well.
“He’s got a burst of pace and energy that I didn’t realise he had last season, but he wasn’t playing with a smile on his face last season. Great eye for a goal, and an assist. That is what confidence does.”
Beckford: Rutter has surprised him with pace for Leeds this term
Rutter was superb once again on Saturday. He could have had two or three assists and it was his cross that created the first, winning the ball back in the Bristol City box – with the help of Glen Kamara.
His cross was deflected by Summerville, for James to score – meaning he does not get the assist. But, it was the Frenchman that created it. He set up numerous other chances for Summerville and Piroe.
Even had a goal disallowed, prodding a loose ball into the net only for the linesman to have his flag up. He has been a revelation this season after such a difficult start. Long may it continue, in a Leeds shirt.
