There’s no doubt about it, Georginio Rutter’s start to life at Leeds United has been slower than most anticipated. The striker has struggled to find traction and form in a white shirt since his club record move from Hoffenheim in January and he has seen his time on the field restricted.
As a result, Rutter has been a figure of frustration for supporters and while many recognise he is still just 20-year-old and it may take time for him to adjust, the hope was that he could make an immediate impact as Leeds battle at the wrong end of the Premier League table. However, after an encouraging showing off the bench in Javi Gracia’s first game on Saturday against Southampton, the Frenchman was given the nod to start in United’s FA Cup fifth round clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
It was the perfect stage for Gracia to get a good look at the striker as he took the opportunity to change up his side somewhat and switch to a formation he felt would bring the best out of his side. The Spaniard didn’t get the result he had hoped for on the banks of the Thames, losing 2-0, a result that saw Leeds exit the competition, but he did see positive signs in attacking areas as Rutter enjoyed his best game yet for United.
