Joe Wainman has raised doubts over Rodrigo's Leeds career – and reckons Dan James' arrival could see the attacker dropped from the side.

How has Rodrigo fared at Leeds?

The Spaniard made the club-record switch from Valencia for £27m last summer.

However, Rodrigo has struggled to live up to that price-tag and is yet to nail down a regular starting place in Marcelo Bielsa's side.

His first goal came in just his fourth appearance against Manchester City, but Rodrigo managed just two goals in his next 18 league outings.

He did end the season with a flourish, netting four goals in as many games, including a late brace against Burnley and the clincher in the victory over Tottenham.

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Rodrigo hasn't been able to continue that goalscoring form, failing to net in three games across all competitions, and would appear some way off playing in his preferred position by dislodging Patrick Bamford from the starting XI.

What has Wainman said about Rodrigo?

Rodrigo has started two of Leeds' three Premier League matches this season, but Wainman thinks that James could replace him in the side, with one of Jack Harrison or Raphinha possibly moving centrally.

When asked whether he could be another Helder Costa, Wainman told GIVEMESPORT: "Does he actually fit into what we need? Maybe not. Maybe no one expected Bamford to have the season he did.

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"But unless Bamford gets injured, Rodrigo won't ever play up top. If Dan James when he comes in, it means there's going to be a change up, then Rodrigo will be out of the team. I'm hopeful but I'm not confident."

What does the future hold for Rodrigo?

Having broken the club-record to bring him to Elland Road, Rodrigo is clearly rated by Bielsa, but is stuck in an extremely difficult position.

Unless Bamford gets injured, sent off or endures a wretched run without scoring, Rodrigo has a hopeful task of moving ahead of him in the pecking order and will have to continue playing in a deeper role behind the England striker.

But there's no guarantee that James will come in and hit the ground running, and after starting the draw at Burnley before the international break, Rodrigo is still clearly in Bielsa's thoughts despite his tricky first 12 months in English football.