Credit: Imago

Zak Anderton

Fri 21 February 2025 10:10, UK

Adam Pope has been left in awe of Joe Rodon after what he’s done for Leeds United this season.

The Welshman was brought back to Elland Road on a permanent basis in the summer transfer window after having a successful season-long loan in the 2023/24 campaign.

Since then, the centre-back has become one of the first names on Daniel Farke’s teamsheet with the former Tottenham man not missing a single minute of Championship action this term.

He’s once again formed a formidable partnership with Pascal Struijk and the duo have been a key factor in Leeds’ relentless march towards the Premier League thus far.

Adam Pope lauds Joe Rodon for his Leeds United performances

Of all Farke’s players this season, Rodon has been one member of the team to consistently stand out in a season brimming with consistently excellent performers.

While players such as Dan James and Manor Solomon have been receiving most of the credit, Rodon’s contribution to the team has been just as influential as the attacking duo, helping enshrine him as a firm fans’ favourite.

Before making the switch to Elland Road, Rodon spent most of his career bouncing around at different clubs on loan to try and impress Spurs.

However, now he’s finally found a permanent home at Leeds, Pope believes he’s been one of the “stalwarts” of the campaign.

“Every side needs game changers at times but it also requires its stalwarts – Rodon is certainly that,” he wrote via the BBC Sport website (20 February).

“In a season when others have caught the eye, particularly from the wings, they owe many of their moments in the sun to the guile and spirit of the warrior behind them who is steering them on the journey whilst milking every minute.”

Daniel Farke is taking Leeds United towards Premier League promotion

It goes without saying that Leeds’ main goal this season has been to earn themselves promotion to the Premier League.

They fell narrowly short last time out after they were defeated 1-0 by Southampton in the playoff final.

While fans may have been disappointed that the West Yorkshire outfit didn’t manage to earn their Premier League status back last term, looking back, it could end up being one of the best things that happened to the Whites.

An extra season in the Championship has allowed the team to grow closer and develop more as a unit, rather than individually.

Farke’s tactical style is now also embedded into the way they play and if they take the level of performance they’ve shown over the first half of the 2024/25 season into the top flight, then they well equipped to survive in the Premier League next term. If they go up, of course.