Two former Wales heroes have praised Joe Rodon as he continued his hot streak in front of goal in the qualifier against Belgium.
Joe Rodon was one of the stars for Wales in their heavy defeat against England and picked up where he left off as Wales raced into an early lead in their World Cup qualifier.
The Leeds defender has played 90 consecutive matches for his club and scored his first Premier League goal in the recent draw against Bournemouth.
Rodon found a pocket of space in the box and powered a header home, lifting the raucous home crowd. However, Ethan Ampadu was controversially penalised as Belgium equalised from the penalty spot before Karl Darlow was beaten for a second time before half-time.
Wales’ centre-back, Rodon, was visibly emotional as he celebrated his goal and he received praise from Ashley Williams and Robert Earnshaw for his crucial intervention.
Leeds United star praised by Wales legends
Speaking at half-time on the BBC Three coverage of the game, former Swansea defender Ashley Williams praised Rodon for adding a new attacking threat to his game.
According to Williams, Wales have been crying out for the defender to provide a threat from corners, and he has shown great leadership to add it to his game. Williams said: “That’s what we’ve been looking for from Joe Rodon.
“He has the performances, and then if he can chip it, that’s leadership, you know, we talk about leadership being vocal and things like that.
“But in the box like that, and to score a massive goal at a big, pivotal moment like that, that’s what we want from Joe Rodon.”
Williams’ assessment was backed by former Cardiff City man Robert Earnshaw, who added: “What I do love about Rodon is his little movement.
“He goes in, he goes in, and he just leaves the defender and creates half a yard. And that half a yard gets you a goal. That’s the difference. I mean, I love that.
“And he’s still got a little bit to do there. He’s still got to obviously change the direction of the ball and get the power, because it’s not whipped in with absolute pace, but it’s a good finish.”
Joe Rodon is enjoying a career-best goal-scoring year
Prior to 2025, Rodon had only scored two career goals, finding the net once during his time at Stade Rennais and once for Leeds United in December 2024.
However, Rodon has now found the net three times in the current calendar year, including two goals in the last month.
Joe Rodon’s career goals:
- 31/08/22 vs Stade Brestois
- 07/12/24 vs Derby County
- 06/06/25 vs Liechtenstein
- 27/09/25 vs Bournemouth
- 13/10/25 vs Belgium
Rodon scored in Wales’ qualifier against Liechtenstein in June 2025 before his prolific recent run of two goals in four games for Leeds and Wales.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke has been keen to see his defenders provide more threat in the box. Having watched Rodon score against Belgium, he will hope he can bring this form back to his club.
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