Lee Hendrie has suggested that one Leeds United player was absolutely brilliant in the win over Millwall on Sunday, insisting that they were his player of the match.
Daniel Farke’s side sit top of the Championship after a 2-0 win at Elland Road. Willy Gnonto and Daniel James scored in either half for the Whites as Leeds cleared another hurdle in the battle to go up.
The two goals were very different, with Gnonto breaking the deadlock with a gorgeous strike from the edge of the box. Meanwhile, James was able to squeeze his attempt into back of the net from a few yards out.
Georginio Rutter lauded after performance in Leeds win
But they did have something in common, and that was that they were both set up by Georginio Rutter. Georginio is now out in front for assists in the Championship this season, with 15 to his name.
The Frenchman should have put the game to bed himself when the score was 1-0. But it is remarkable how it seems impossible to wrestle the ball off of the 21-year-old.
And as he came off in stoppage-time, Georginio was lauded by Lee Hendrie (broadcast on Sky Sports; 17/3; 17:54).
“He’s been fantastic, my player of the match. Absolutely brilliant, having the two assists. He’s just been brilliant. I just love the fact that he gets into those pockets with that little bit of quality in the final third that’s got Leeds over the line and put them top of the league. Great performance,” he said.
Frenchman never hides when Whites need someone to make something happen
There were some nervy moments during the second-half. Millwall threatened to punish Leeds for not putting the game to bed.
But it was Georginio who did superbly to turn Japhet Tanganga and find James on the other side of the six-yard box for that crucial second goal.
Psychologically, it feels incredibly significant that Leeds are now top of the Championship. Of course, Leicester have a game in hand. But having the points on the board is a big deal at a time when the pressure starts to ramp up.
And when the pressure was on on Sunday, Georginio was one who never hid and was always ready to try and run and make something happen.