Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has joked that he "couldn't play for Leeds" after his first-hand experience of facing Marcelo Bielsa's side.
Leeds United beat Newcastle 2-1 in their Premier League clash at St James' Park on January 26, thanks to goals from Raphinha and Jack Harrison.
Shelvey found himself up against Rodrigo in the middle of the park - and has revealed an amusing exchange he had with the Spain international.
Leeds have earned plaudits for, among other things, their fitness levels and work ethic - traits synonymous with teams coached by Bielsa - following their return to the top flight this term.
Shelvey was particularly struck by Rodrigo's all-action display against Newcastle - something he highlighted on the Studs Up podcast, while talking about how players' running stats are monitored nowadays.
"We played Leeds at St James' Park about a month ago," the former Liverpool, Swansea City and Charlton Athletic man recalled.
"Rodrigo was in the middle and he was meant to be playing central midfield and he was all over the place.
"I said to him: 'Geez, can you just stand still for one minute?'
"He was running around like a nutcase. Some of it was just pointless running but he said: 'I must do. My manager tells me I must do'.
"I couldn't play for Leeds!"
Rodrigo has now made 18 appearances in the Premier League - 12 of them starts - since joining Leeds from Valencia last summer in a £26million deal.
He has scored three goals, including one in the 5-2 win over Newcastle at Elland Road in December. Shelvey was an unused substitute on that occasion.
