Joe Rodon is away on international duty with Wales as they prepare to face Finland in the Euro 2024 qualification play-offs
As his Leeds United loan nears its end, Joe Rodon believes he is playing at the top of his game. After finding it difficult to stay consistent in north London for a considerable amount of time, the center-back moved from Tottenham Hotspur to Leeds in search of more playing time.
Despite being thrown into Daniel Farke’s starting lineup quickly after joining the team, he has not had any trouble gaining playing time at Elland Road. Rodon has been a mainstay at the back for the Whites, starting all but three games since his debut, including the FA Cup. He has put up impressive performance after outstanding performance.
His influence has been absolutely key in the Whites’ recent run of 12 wins from their last 13 games, too, with Leeds conceding just three goals in that period, a remarkable feat which ensures Farke’s side are able to boast the most successful defensive line in the Championship.
What the future holds for Rodon remains to be seen, but Leeds certainly feels like a good fit for him and the defender has been loving life at Elland Road.
“Over the last couple of years, it’s been sticky,” he told the Mirror. “I’ve not had the game time I wanted. I feel confident, probably the best I’ve felt in a long time,” Rodon says. “I’ve loved every minute of [my loan]. The Leeds fans have been absolutely incredible to me. The atmosphere week in and week out was incredible. Even the away games, I’ve never seen anything like it.
“It’s gone so quick but playing every week is only going to give me more confidence as a player. I feel like I’m in a really good place physically and mentally. I’m just excited for this week now and can’t wait to give everything.”
Rodon is currently away on international duty with Wales, alongside his Whites teammates Connor Roberts, Ethan Ampadu and Dan James, and on Thursday night he’ll hope to play an important role as Wales take on Finland in a Euro 2024 qualification play-off semi-final. Of course, the quartet won’t be the only Leeds players involved in the game, with Glen Kamara set to represent Finland at the Cardiff City Stadium and that’s the reason why Rodon gave his Leeds teammate the cold shoulder after Sunday’s win over Millwall.
“That’s how I am,” he added in the interview after meeting up with Rob Page’s Wales squad.
Irrespective of the result of Thursday’s semi-final, the pair will be friends again after the full-time whistle as they prepare to help the Whites through the final eight Championship games of the season with promotion on the line.
