Joe Rodon returns to Leeds United in top form after what he did for Wales
Leeds United have a defender at the top of his game in the form of Joe Rodon after he won his 50th Wales cap against Iceland on Tuesday.
Rodon and Wales may have conceded inside the opening seven minutes in Cardiff, but hit back to win 4-1 and finish top of their UEFA Nations League group, with Daniel James also playing 73 minutes.
The 27-year-old, winning his 50th Welsh cap having been a regular in the Dragons’ side since late 2020, didn’t get on the scoresheet, but was at his defensive best in a performance fitting of the occasion.
Leeds United will be glad to have Joe Rodon back after Wales form
Ever-present for club and country across the last two seasons, Rodon has become one of Daniel Farke’s most dependable players and played a full 90 minutes despite picking up a head injury three days prior.
Against both Turkey and Iceland though, Rodon was impervious and completed 89 per cent of his passes against the latter [SofaScore], including six threaded into the final third for his team-mates.
Rodon also found a man with five of his seven long ball attempts, a success rate of 71 per cent [FotMob], but it was in defence – as is often the case – where the centre-back really stood out.
Winning six duels overall, Rodon wasn’t beaten on the ground and won four of five battles in the air, as well as racing back in cover to make a perfectly-timed last-man tackle and keep Iceland at bay.
With a further six ball recoveries and five clearances made throughout a sensational comeback victory for the Dragons, Rodon returns to Elland Road at the top of his game – and ahead of the busiest stretch of the season, his international displays will have been brilliant viewing for Daniel Farke and his staff.
In other Leeds news, United fans will be fuming after what former director of football Victor Orta has said about a failed transfer.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.