Sam Byram is a popular figure at Leeds, but is not fancied too much by Daniel Farke.
The Leeds academy graduate has only played seven minutes of Premier League football so far this season, all of which came in the 5-0 defeat at Arsenal.
Despite that, Joe Rodon has now made a comment to The Athletic which proves Sam Byram remains focused and committed to Leeds.
Joe Rodon says he’s spotted Sam Byram copying his diet at Leeds United
On training days at Thorp Arch, the Wales international has noticed his teammate copying his meals in the canteen in an attempt to ensure he is eating as well as he can.
Six points clear of the bottom three – Leeds can start to relax… can’t they? 😤
Rodon – who also said he loves playing on the right wing – is currently on a remarkable run of 103 consecutive league starts for Leeds, a feat which has inspired Byram to take notes to try and make himself as fit as possible despite Farke frequently overlooking him.
The Welshman said: “I’m always willing to give that kind of advice to them, but it is quite funny sometimes. I see Sam Byram, for example, copy my meal, and he thinks I’m not looking. He’s all of a sudden gone from that (meal) to that (meal).
“Little things, but I love it, and I would have been the same before I came here. I’m just really structured in my routine. That’s probably the biggest thing.”
As Rodon states, he finds it “funny” to see Byram copy him, but it is nonetheless admirable from the 32-year-old, who has not even been named in the matchday squad on 11 occasions in the Premier League this term.
It would be very easy for the defender to check out mentally considering just how far down the pecking order he is, but the fact he remains attentive to finer details such as his diet clearly shows he is eager to be in the best possible shape in case Farke does need to call upon him.
Sam Byram very likely to leave Leeds United
As popular as the local lad is amongst the fanbase, it is unlikely to be enough to earn him a new deal.
Which player would you be happy for Leeds to sell in January to fund their transfer business? Let us know in the comments… 🤔💰
The likes of Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto are struggling to force their way into Farke's plans.
Byram – who called Sean Longstaff “fierce” – sees his contract expire at the end of this season, and an extension seems highly unlikely considering Farke rarely even puts him in the matchday squad.
It will be sad to see the Thurrock-born defender leave given his status as an academy graduate, but his £20,000-a-week wages can certainly be put to better use.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
