It has been a tumultuous first 10 games into the Premier League season for Leeds United, with ups and downs along the way – as the Elland Road anthem goes. But one positive has been Joe Rodon.
To give a brief, 10-game review of Leeds would be to commend the home form, criticise the away form, applaud the signings made, fume at the signings that didn’t arrive, and worry about the upcoming run.
Eight points from five home games is impressive, but three from a possible 15 away is not good enough. Leeds can put that right this afternoon as Daniel Farke takes his side to Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest.
Leeds are a threat from set-pieces, Farke has pivoted tactics to make Leeds harder to beat and the club sits above the point-a-game curve. But that run of Villa, Chelsea, City and Liverpool is very concerning.
So much so that the Leeds board believes it could make or break Farke’s tenure. However, putting all the pressure and concern aside, one massive positive for Leeds this season has been the form of Joe Rodon.
Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon attend Elland Road.
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Ethan Ampadu raves about Leeds defender Joe Rodon
Self-admittedly, Rodon came into the season with a point to prove. It was Rodon’s first time back in the Premier League after his initial move to Tottenham from Swansea under manager Jose Mourinho in 2020.
Rodon struggled at Spurs under Mourinho, and then Antonio Conte. It would see him go on loan to Rennes in 2022-23, and then Leeds in 2023-24, before a permanent deal for £10m after Archie Gray’s exit.
Promotion with Leeds meant Rodon was back in the Premier League. Leeds fans loved Rodon before the start of the season but might have doubted if he could cope with the quality in English football’s top tier.
Joe Rodon hugs Lucas Perri after Leeds United v West Ham United - Premier League
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Well, after 10 games, he’s done that and more. Ampadu was asked what sets Rodon apart on BBC Radio Leeds, and he said: “What sets Rodon apart? Work ethic, professionalism, how hard he wants to work.
“Not just for the team but for himself. That combination of wanting to make himself better and wanting the team to be the best. Joe is a big driver of standards; how he is growing is evidence of that.
“He’s starting to show everyone what he can really do. I have been with him every single day for three years. He wants to win everything, who can get to lunch quickest. His will to win is why he’s improving.”
Leeds United can expect Premier League interest in Joe Rodon
Relegation changes everything. Survival means Leeds can keep their players, improve their standing in the Premier League and spend better next summer. But relegation means Leeds will lose their best players.
Rodon’s form in the Premier League and proving the point that had been previously unproven, is aiding Leeds right now. The Welshman is Leeds’ most in-form player at the moment, but that could see him go.
If Leeds are relegated, Rodon will be the first player Premier League clubs turn to next summer. There will be a profit on the £10m Leeds paid to land the former Spurs man, but survival keeps Rodon in Yorkshire.