Happy endings have evaded the vast majority of Leeds United’s squad in 2022/23 after a campaign of derisory performances resulted in relegation last month. If there was one player arguably deserving of a little joy to take away on holiday it was Rodrigo, United’s top scorer.
The joy on the 32-year-old’s face said it all as Spain lifted the 2023 UEFA Nations League crown in Rotterdam on Sunday night. While Rodrigo did not play a part in the final, he will take a medal from Spain’s first trophy in 11 years and run.
In a season which proved damaging for so many on the books at Elland Road, Rodrigo was one of the few who stood up to be counted with by far his best year in West Yorkshire. The forward would average a goal every 148 minutes in the top flight, leaving you wondering what difference he may have made had it not been for that ankle injury at Accrington Stanley.
