Joe Rothwell was Leeds United’s best player on the night as the midfielder returned to the starting line-up to provide the difference during Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Millwall.
The on-loan midfielder was taken out of he starting line-up by Daniel Farke at Portsmouth and replaced by Ilia Gruev, after a mediocre outing against West Brom. But Rothwell looked recharged against Millwall.
Anything good Leeds did, Rothwell was central to it. He won the ball back and set Leeds on their way for the first goal, which saw Manor Solomon’s cross deflected in by Millwall’s Jake Cooper and Lukas Jensen.
The nerves were aplenty at Elland Road while the scoreline remained 1-0, but Ao Tanaka finally put the game to bed with a wonderful finish. But it was Rothwell that made the difference during the 2-0 win.
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Pascal Struijk raves about Leeds United teammate Joe Rothwell
Rothwell joined Leeds to a mixed reception. Fans questioning why they had signed a player that warmed Southampton’s bench for much of last season, but Farke thinks Rothwell has proved a lot of fans wrong.
Speaking to LUTV after the 2-0 win over Millwall, Struijk was asked about Rothwell and he raved about the on-loan midfielder and said that he is in “no doubt” of the midfielder’s quality in a Leeds United shirt.
“He’s really good. There have been a lot of questions that I’ve answered throughout. I’m in no doubt of his quality, he’s really good on the ball, drives the game forward. Defensively too, he does his job for us.”
Joe Rothwell’s stats for Leeds United in win vs Millwall
Farke may think that away from home, Leeds need more defensive solidity in midfield to add control but actually, Rothwell’s ability to push Leeds up the pitch gives Leeds just as much control, and territory.
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That ability to glide past players is incredible. Leeds have been told Rothwell will cost £7.5m and the jury is still out over whether he can do it in the Premier League, but it would be harsh not to pursue a deal.
Joe Rothwell’s stats for Leeds United in win vs Millwall:
87 minutes played, 7.9 FotMob rating
Two shots, three successful dribbles, five touches in Millwall box
84 touches, 60 successful passes, 67 attempted passes
Three defensive actions, one tackle, two interceptions
Five duels won, three lost
Certainly, Farke now has a dilemma on his hands. Does he start Rothwell when Leeds go to QPR on the weekend or does he bring Gruev back into the XI? It is clear what fans want – Rothwell to retain his spot.