Leeds United hero Joe Rodon has become an even more crucial player for Wales in recent months, having now racked up 56 caps for his country.
The 28-year-old centre-back is one of Leeds United’s most important players in recent seasons. In fact, Joe Rodon has more Leeds appearances for Daniel Farke than any other player.
Wales legends lavished Rodon with praise on Tuesday night, despite his side conceding four goals in a crucial World Cup qualifier. Leeds fans are delighted Rodon has added goals to his game as well, though.
His performances saw Rodon bag two Wales Player of the Match awards during the 3-0 loss to England and in the 4-2 home defeat to Belgium in UEFA World Cup qualifying.
Joe Rodon’s goalscoring antics are here to stay for Leeds and Wales
In recent international breaks, Rodon has been described as ‘captain material’. He has become a talismanic figure for Wales and for Leeds, becoming the Whites’ third-choice captain behind Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Struijk.
But it is the goals that have always been missing. This time last year, Rodon had just one to his name. His recent Premier League goal was his second ever for Leeds. The Rodon goal against Bournemouth was just his third club goal of his career.
Per LUFCDATA on X (formerly Twitter), it is his best tally for goals in a calendar year. He has actually scored three in his last five months, having bagged for Wales in June against Liechtenstein. It’s also three in 12 games.
That makes it five career goals now, with two for Leeds, two for Wales, and one for Stade Rennais back in August 2022 against Stade Brestois. His second-ever goal came last December against Derby County.
Rodon’s Derby goal saw Leeds teammates tease him for his ’50p head’. However, it seems to have been the catalyst and turning point for more, with Rodon recently admitting to frustration at not scoring more for Leeds.
Craig Bellamy’s Joe Rodon praise
Wales boss Craig Bellamy wanted Rodon for Burnley and Oxford United, had he taken the role with the then League One outfit. But he is a huge fan, nonetheless.
He said: “Another I have spoken about on a number of occasions. No surprise. He has all the attributes to belong in the Premier League.
“I’ve been a big fan of him for a number of years. I do follow Welsh players and I do have a soft spot for Welsh players as well, so I do really like to watch their developments.
“But his, I’ve been able to watch — and from his loan spells as well. I remember, even, when I was going to go into Oxford, I was already looking at bringing him in on loan. So, he’s a player I’ve had my eye on.
“When we were at Burnley, we wanted to bring him in. We obviously felt, and I obviously felt, that he was a player for the high level.
“What we’re seeing now is that player. I didn’t answer it, sorry. Yeah, I’m a big fan.”
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