Leeds star told he is a ‘class act’ after last night’s 1-0 win over QPR, pundit surprised by his pace

Add as preferred source on Google

Ben Parker has told LS11 that Joe Rodon played with a “cigar” in his mouth for Leeds United last night as Daniel Farke’s side won 1-0 over QPR – underlining his surprise at the on-loan Tottenham man’s pace.

Rodon, 25, returned to the starting line-up on Wednesday night after being suspended for the 3-0 win over Watford. Farke decided to keep the team the same for the long trip to Southampton on Saturday.

But the defeat on the south coast saw Farke make changes and Rodon returned to the side, in place of Liam Cooper. It resulted in Leeds picking up a fifth clean sheet in six games, dispatching QPR 1-0.

Parker was asked about Rodon’s performance and he said the £15m man is a “class act”. He said that Wednesday night was “easy” for him, and was surprised by his speed at the back – catching a striker.

“Rodon is quality, he really is. We expected him to start against Southampton but understood why team stayed the same. He had to come back in, he played with a cigar all night. So easy, his positional play.

“A moment in first half, ball played over the top, the striker ahead – his pace got ahead of him, played it back to Meslier. We haven’t seen that side too much, that turn of pace – is so vital. He’s a class act.”

Ben Parker: Joe Rodon played with a cigar in his mouth last night

Comfortable is an understatement. He was superb, was Rodon. According to WhoScored, he produced our best passing rate on the night – completing 42 of 46. Two tackles, three interceptions, one header.

While Liam Cooper is our captain, an enforcer and there is a long-standing connection with fans – Rodon is our best centre-back. Has to start week in, week out. He starts against Bristol City on the weekend.