Paraag Marathe ‘must be celebrated’ after dead-set Joe Rodon reveal at Leeds
Leeds United fans must take every opportunity to thank Paraag Marathe as Joe Rodon continues to excel at Elland Road.
Rodon produced yet another stunning performance in Leeds colours, playing a key role in their 1-0 Championship win against Oxford on Friday (18 April).
Not only did the Wales international literally set the ball rolling for Manor Solomon’s winner, but he also did not give the Oxford attackers a chance, winning nine of his 11 duels, both on the ground and in the air [FotMob].
As the Whites boast a five-point lead over third-placed Sheffield United with three games left to play, securing automatic promotion to the Premier League is just a formality, and Rodon’s role in this journey cannot be understated.
Behind-the-scenes Marathe detail emerges as Rodon continues to shine
Rodon has played every single minute for Leeds in the Championship this season, helping them keep 23 clean sheets while also contributing towards one goal.
This is nothing new for those who watched him shine for the West Yorkshire outfit on loan from Tottenham last season.
| Matches | Minutes | Goals | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets | Yellow Cards |
| 43 | 3866′ | 1 | 24 | 23 | 5 |
However, many would not have expected the 27-year-old to be back at Elland Road after the Whites lost to Southampton in the playoff final at Wembley last term.
It would have been easy for the centre-back to seek a move to the Premier League, especially with Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton interested in acquiring his services, according to The Athletic.
However, as reported by the news outlet on their website on 19 April, it was Marathe who did all the heavy lifting to bring Rodon back to Leeds.
While Archie Gray’s transfer to Spurs opened the door for the Championship club to start talks over signing the defender, Marathe was ‘dead-set’ on getting a deal across the line.
That is why the Leeds chairman must be celebrated at Elland Road.
Rodon on course to return to Premier League with Leeds
There are doubts about the overall quality of the Leeds squad to compete in the Premier League, but that certainly does not apply to Rodon.
The Welshman is one of the players who are well-equipped to look right at home in the top flight, meaning Marathe has one less thing to worry about this summer.
However, the Peacocks chairman will have to back Daniel Farke with signings in other areas once the summer transfer window opens.