On the verge of his 50th cap for Wales, Joe Rodon is an example of a player enjoying much more success with country rather than club – though he is starting to change that at Leeds United.
Coming through at Swansea, Rodon earned a big move to Tottenham Hotspur early on his career. But it probably came too early, with Rodon struggling for games. Rodon played only 24 times for Tottenham.
That is despite being on the books at Tottenham for four years. Two of which, he spent on loan at Rennes and then Leeds, before signing permanently in the summer at Elland Road, Archie Gray moving to Spurs.
Rodon has been a rock at the back for Leeds and already, has played more times for Leeds than any other club. But it comes after enduring a tough spell at Spurs, and Rodon has been speaking about his career.
Joe Rodon says playing for Wales helped him during tough times
On Tuesday night, Wales face a crucial clash against Iceland. A game they have to win in their Nations League campaign, but it will also see Rodon clock up his 50th cap for Wales having only just turned 27.
Well on course to reach a century of caps for his country, Rodon spoke to Yahoo Sport about his career and admits that he has endured “tough moments” – but playing for Wales helped him overcome that.
Asked if Wales kept him going, he said: “Absolutely right. To come away with a group of lads like this and the staff, everyone there, is unbelievable. That’s what really kept me going in those tough moments.”
Joe Rodon alleviates any concern of concussion after collision
The clash against Iceland comes after Rodon and Karl Darlow helped Wales secure a crucial away point against Turkey, maintaining Craig Bellamy’s unbeaten start to life as Wales manager with a clean sheet.
Rodon picked up a head injury, accidentally planting a header on teammate Mark Harris. After the game, Rodon reassured Leeds fans that he was fine and has now said he has undergone concussion protocols.
“Of course they had to do the protocols and the precautions because head injuries can be dangerous. But never was I coming off.mI’m quite used to it and I was fine. I was delighted I could carry on,” Rodon said.
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