Friday night’s win over Oxford United saw Daniel Farke’s Leeds United produce an impressive display away from home against a team that have been solid at their own ground.
Not long ago, Sheffield United had gone to the Kassam Stadium. Leeds knew it would be a tough test, not least because Daniel Farke had only won once in his six career meetings with manager Gary Rowett.
Plenty of Leeds players had to step up against an Oxford side that have seriously improved since Rowett came in as manager. Prior to the game, Oxford had won three of their previous Championship games.
Manor Solomon made it four goals and assists in three games, Jayden Bogle netted the assist for the prior’s winner. But it was Joe Rodon that produced a stunning performance for the Yorkshire side.
Dom Matteo claims Leeds United star Joe Rodon is underrated
It was Rodon’s 53rd appearance of the season for club and country and yet, the £10m signing was sensational. Last-man tackles, dominant in the air and a leader at the back – marshalling his defenders.
Speaking to LUTV’s Extra Time, Leeds icon Dom Matteo heaped praise on Rodon for his performance. He claims that the defender actually goes “under the radar”, highlighting Rodon’s speed in the back line.
“Joe today, really stepped up. Really has, really impressed me tonight. He’s been so good, sometimes he goes under the radar with his performances. We don’t talk about him enough,” Matteo said about Rodon.
“He’s very good at what he does, very thorough defensively and has the pace to get him out of the trouble. If he keeps progressing the way he’s progressing, we have a really good centre-half,” he added.
Is Joe Rodon the best signing made by Leeds under Daniel Farke…
Well, there are certainly a few contenders. Ethan Ampadu was made captain a year after joining Leeds from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, costing The Whites a bargain initial £7m fee that could rise to £10m.
Sam Byram on a free has proved excellent squad cover, while Ao Tanaka is playing like a £20m midfielder after being bought for just £3.4m. Jayden Bogle is on fire on the right, costing Leeds a bargain £5m fee.
But in terms of consistency, in terms of desire and the willingness to put his body on the line for the cause, for the demands he puts in place and on his teammates – Rodon is one of Farke’s best signings.
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