Joe Rodon was at his brilliant best on Friday night as the Leeds United defender helped Daniel Farke’s side keep a sixth Championship clean sheet of the season against Sheffield United.
While Chris Wilder’s side struggled to really lay a glove on Leeds, The Whites did have to withstand some heavy Blades pressure in the early stages of the match and had to deal with Wilder’s impressive attack.
Rodon came up against Wales teammate Kieffer Moore in a physical battle between two proven players at Championship and Premier League level. Rodon got the better of Moore who had struggled to get going.
Goals from Mateo Joseph and Pascal Struijk saw Leeds earn a 2-0 win and climb into third place, having initially gone second only for Burnley to beat Sheffield Wednesday away 2-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Michael Bridges shares what Joe Rodon told him last week
A brilliant performance from Leeds as a whole, but what was impressive and perhaps even surprising was the way Leeds were able to control the game. Rodon played a big part in that as Leeds eased to a victory.
Already a fan favourite for his aggressive, heart-on-the-sleeve performances, Rodon chose to sign for the club permanently in the summer after last term’s loan and Bridges shared what Rodon told him last week.
During a post-match interview with Rodon on LUTV, Bridges said: I’m going to embarrass Joe. “Last week he did tell me that after witnessing Elland Road rocking, there was nowhere else he was going to sign. So he’s seen it, he’s witnessed it and I’m delighted he’s signed.”
Joe Rodon shines again as £10m fee Leeds spent looks a bargain
Despite remaining in the Championship, Leeds spent £10m to sign Rodon permanently. But already, it looks like money well spent on the Wales defender as he continued to shine in a Leeds shirt this season.
Rodon stats against Sheffield United:
- 110 touches (Leeds’ highest)
- 2 headers won (joint Leeds highest with Joel Piroe)
- Two tackles, three interceptions
- 5 clearances (Leeds’ highest)
- 2 blocks (Leeds’ highest)
- 85 completed passes, 95 attempted
Combine the fact that the £10m fee came after Tottenham paid £40m for Archie Gray and that Rodon rejected a move to Ipswich for Leeds, it is already looking like one of the best purchases of the season.
A quick turnaround for Leeds and Rodon next as The Whites go to Watford on Tuesday night in another game in which Daniel Farke’s men face one of the Championship’s top eight sides. Six of the eight played.
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