If this was Joe Rodon’s first season at Leeds United, the centre-back would be earning huge praise from the Elland Road faithful. But, because it is his second season, Rodon’s form goes under the radar.
Rodon, 27, has been superb for Leeds this season. Such is his consistency at Elland Road over the last 18 months, the Wales star’s form is simply expected of him when others would be praised if at that level.
Forming a brilliant partnership with Pascal Struijk, the duo have started every single game this season for Leeds and clocked up an impressive nine clean sheets in 15 games. Rodon has played 21 times this term.
Already, 16 in all competitions for Leeds and five more for Craig Bellamy’s Wales. This week, Rodon is preparing for a huge Nations League clash that sees Wales expected to beat Iceland at Cardiff’s Stadium.
Dan James makes exciting prediction about Leeds’ Joe Rodon
Rodon is set to win his 50th cap for Wales on Tuesday evening against Iceland, as Wales look to secure a win to give themselves a chance of Nations League promotion – or, secure a Nations League play-off.
Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of Tuesday’s clash, Dan James has said the Leeds squad is “buzzing” to have £10m Rodon permanently signed on and backed his Leeds and Wales teammate to reach a lofty 100 caps.
“It’s brilliant. I joined Swansea as a scholar and became great friends with Joe straight away. I was very excited for him to come to Leeds. It was a really positive signing for us, we were all buzzing to have him.
“It was also nice for him to be permanent for Leeds and to be loved by the fans. Reaching 50 caps will be an incredible achievement. He deserves it, I’m sure he can get another 50, he keeps in great shape.”
Leeds defence this season compared to last after 15 matches
Leeds have 29 points after 15 Championship games this season, one more than last season at the same stage. But more importantly, they are two off the top – last season, they were 11 points behind Leicester.
| Games | Wins | Clean sheets | Goals conceded | |
| 2023-24 | 15 | 8 | 6 | 16 |
| 2024-25 | 15 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
The stats say it all. Rodon is settled, Leeds have a back four that picks itself and are controlling games better with Rodon and Struijk shining. Seven less goals conceded, three more clean sheets so far.
Alongside his form for Wales, Rodon has 12 clean sheets in 21 games and has only allowed opposition to score 15 times. One thing Rodon needs to improve is his goal scored, yet to do so for Leeds or Wales.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
