GEORGI FAME
Call-up for France U-21s from legend Henry could help Leeds striker out of his goal rut
THIERRY HENRY could be about to inadvertently give Leeds United’s promotion bid a major boost.
The Arsenal legend has named Whites striker Georginio Rutter in his France Under-21s squad for games against Austria and South Korea. For Rutter, it is a chance to work closely with one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history to hone his finishing skills.
The 21-year-old frontman, Leeds’ club-record signing when he arrived from Hoffenheim for £35.5million in January, has emerged as a hugely influential figure at Elland Road.
But he wasted a couple of giltedged chances against Plymouth and has scored just three times this season. Leeds boss Daniel Farke said: “Georgi is brilliant and is producing top performances, but his goal tally could be better.
“There were one or two situations where he should have scored, but he’s a young lad and he will improve. To be the finished product at his age would be a miracle.
“So he can’t be perfect in each and every area. But he has to be a bit more clinical.”
Nevertheless, Rutter’s fine form has been rewarded with a first France U-21s call-up since September 2022.
Henry was appointed three months ago and Farke added: “To have Thierry Henry as an idol and role model is always good because he’s one of the most exciting players this planet has seen.
“That’s a great honour for Georgi and a great chance for him.
“I hope he grabs it, and if he comes back with a better end product, then even better.”
First-half goals from Dan James and Joel Piroe (circle) put Leeds in control before Argyle substitute Ben Waine’s late strike set up a nervy finish.
Leeds moved to within eight points of the Championship summit and Piroe, who ended a four-game goal drought, said: “I’m very happy. I always want to score, so I’m glad to be back on the scoresheet.
“We created enough good chances.
“If we had converted them all, it would have been an easy afternoon.
“We are happy with how things are going and want to continue this momentum.”
Argyle lie just three places above the relegation zone.
Midfielder Luke Cundle admitted: “We could have done better in the first half. We need to stop conceding sloppy goals.
“We were 2-0 down and could have easily gone under, but we stuck with it and that’s something we can build on.”