BBC Sport pundit blown away by ‘Premier League’ quality Joe Rodon for Leeds United v Ipswich
Alex Mathie was blown away by Joe Rodon’s performance for Leeds United in their win over Ipswich Town, suggesting he already looked like a “Premier League defender”.
Daniel Farke’s side closed the gap to the automatic promotion places with an excellent 4-0 win over Ipswich on Saturday 23 December, thanks to goals from Pascal Struijk, Crysencio Summerville, Joel Piroe and an own-goal from Leif Davis.
While the Whites’ attacking performance was excellent and stole most of the plaudits, BBC Sport pundit Mathie was more impressed by Rodon’s “outstanding” display, suggesting the Leeds defender already looked like he’d fit in, in the Premier League.
Speaking on BBC Radio Suffolk (23 December, 13:58) he said: “It’s not been Ipswich’s day today. Joe Rodon has been outstanding at the back.
“He looks like a Premier League defender.”
Premier League defender
It has become one of the worst-kept secrets in the Championship just how good Rodon has been for Leeds United this season as every week the Welshman seems to hit a new height and put an even more impressive performance in the Whites’ backline.
Ipswich Town have been one of the most impressive attacking sides in the Football League this season, but when they made the trip to Elland Road they barely had a sniff and a large part of that was down to the incredible performance of Rodon.
The 26-year-old won every duel that he entered in the contest, both on the ground and in the air, while also making an incredible four interceptions and a further three ball recoveries. In possession, he completed 91 per cent of 67 attempted passes in what was an all-round perfect defensive display.
Leeds have one of the division’s best centre-backs currently at their disposal, the only issue they could face is keeping him. As Mathie suggested, Rodon already has the ability of a Premier League defender and when his loan at Elland Road finishes, teams will be queuing up to sign him.
The Whites have to ensure they’re a Premier League outfit once again to beat the competition to his signature.
In other Leeds United news, Borussia Dortmund are reportedly very interested in Elland Road gem Archie Gray ahead of the transfer window