Leeds United are preparing to blood record signing Georginio Rutter in the FA Cup at either Accrington Stanley or Boreham Wood this weekend. Intrigue swirls around what kind of player the Whites have paid out so much money for.
We spoke to Ronan Murphy, a Bundesliga pundit and journalist at Football Transfers, for some insight on what we can expect from Rutter in Leeds white.
What sort of forward is Georginio Rutter? What's his best role?
He’s a hard worker and picks up good positions off the ball, presses a lot and makes plenty of tackles and interceptions. His final ball and decision-making sometimes let him down, but that could be down to inexperience.
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What are his strengths and weaknesses?
Rutter is a defensive forward in the mould of a Roberto Firmino, also a Hoffenheim player before he moved on to bigger things. Rutter is definitely quicker, but at the moment less of a goalscorer.
He should be ideal for Jesse Marsch’s pressing approach and help defend from the front and cause quick turnovers in possession.
How has he done, generally, at Hoffenheim? The difference between their purchase price and selling price is extraordinary.
He’s done very well at Hoffenheim and became a first-team player quicker than expected. He has huge potential and Hoffenheim are usually a great club for developing players like this, but in this case, the money was too good to turn down.
What's been the response at the Hoffenheim end to this news? What's been the tone of reaction among their fan base?
Hoffenheim fans are delighted with the sale. Not because he’s a good player, but because they think they’re selling at a premium price.
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