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Joe Rodon has become a key part of the Wales set-up, just as he is at Leeds United.
The international break can often be a nervous time for clubs, watching on in fear of their key players picking up injuries or becoming fatigued. However, in Joe Rodon, Leeds United have someone who is arguably benefiting from his time away.
Rodon has been with Leeds for nearly three years now, initially joining on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, before making the move permanent a year later. Since then, he’s become a key figure at Elland Road, making 128 appearances across all competitions and helping the Whites earn promotion last season. This campaign, the centre-back has featured in 91% of Leeds’ Premier League minutes.
While he doesn’t wear the captain’s armband, Rodon is very much viewed as a leader in Daniel Farke’s squad, but how much of that comes from his prominent role in the Wales national team?
Joe Rodon explains leadership role for Wales
Rodon has 58 caps under his belt for the Dragons so far and has represented his country at a European Championship and a World Cup. His Wales debut was way back in 2019, when he was just 21 years old, playing alongside the likes of Gareth Bale, Neil Taylor and Wayne Hennessey in a Euro 2020 qualifier.
Things have changed a lot since then, and Rodon is now one of Craig Bellamy’s key generals on the pitch. But the defender wouldn’t have it any other way, and Leeds fans will know that taking charge is just in his nature.
"I've always been vocal on the pitch. I can't help that,” said Rodon. “When I came into the set-up it, was an older group. Learning off them, being around that and seeing how they were was amazing for us. We're getting to that point where we're becoming the older ones. It's all happened so fast."
Leeds United benefiting from Joe Rodon’s Wales exploits?
Rodon also has the benefit of playing for Wales under Bellamy - a veteran of 78 caps and 19 goals, placing him ninth and seventh, respectively, on the all-time lists for the Dragons. The former striker and winger also turned out for the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle United, Liverpool, Cardiff City, Celtic and others in an illustrious club career that yielded Scottish Cup, EFL Cup and Championship titles, as well as FA Cup and Champions League runner-up medals.
Rodon is excited to work with Bellamy and his staff at every opportunity he gets, and that can only be to the benefit of Farke and Leeds United in the long run.
"He's obsessed with the game. I don't think he'd be in it if that wasn't the case,” Rodon said of Bellamy, adding: “I've learned so much from him and his (coaching) team. I just love the training and learning from him. I can't wait to be a part of it again."
Rodon will be in action again on Thursday night as Wales face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a World Cup qualification playoff match in Cardiff.
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