Leeds United will be hoping to silence key Brighton attacker Georginio Rutter as he faces the Whites for the first time since his 2024 exit.
Leeds’ six-point cushion over the bottom three is proof of their strong start in the Premier League. But, with a tough run of games coming in December, gaining a bigger gap could be vital.
Up next is Brighton away from home, as Leeds look to build on their important win at home to West Ham last weekend.
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Daniel Farke discusses Georginio Rutter ahead of first Leeds United reunion
The player to watch looking at the Brighton setup is obviously Georginio Rutter. Sold to the Seagulls for £40million as they triggered his release clause at the 11th hour, he swiftly packed his bags and said goodbye to West Yorkshire.
It took very little time for the Frenchman’s infectious personality to become popular at the AMEX, while his creativity is there to see on the pitch with three assists this season.
Georginio Rutter has become a favourite at Brighton since leaving Leeds United. (REUTERS/Tony O Brien)
“[Rutter has developed] really well,” Farke said on Thursday, per the YEP. “Overall a joy to work with him because he was not just full of quality, but a bit like a young horse, wild and full of energy. Always wanted to improve and progress.
“An important player for them, not the end product yet with more to come. Developing into a superstar on this level. Don’t want to praise him too much because we want to handle him this weekend.
Leeds United looking for £65million back-pocket job ahead of Georginio Rutter showdown
The Seagulls are looking for a bounce-back this weekend, losing twice in the past seven days to Manchester United and Arsenal, shipping six.
In both games, it was abundantly clear that Fabian Hurzeler’s side often lean on Rutter’s strengths in carrying the ball and beating his man. He teed up big chances at the Emirates that weren’t taken, but at Old Trafford, he had his pocket picked by Luke Shaw, leading to two goals conceded.
Rutter is the second successive familiar danger-man that United will have to shut down to secure three points. Last week against West Ham, they were reunited with £25million man Crysencio Summerville, who left just before Rutter to the Premier League.
Jayden Bogle has kept plenty of players in his back pocket this season, Summerville being the latest. Rutter isn’t going to be hanging on the left wing often today, but he’s another incredibly dynamic attacker that United must keep under wraps.
Should Leeds manage to silence £65million worth of sold players in back-to-back games, there’s every chance back-to-back wins come as a result.
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