Leeds United boss Daniel Farke will have his eye on a number of players during this month’s international break.
Leeds United have several players featuring in this month’s international break, having come into this second international break of the season on the back of a 2-2 draw at Sunderland last time out.
Illan Meslier’s late blunder shared the points with table-topping Sunderland, whilst Leeds remain in 5th place of the Championship table, and three points from the top.
It’s been a steady start for the Whites who’ve lost just once in the league so far, and who return to action with a couple of tricky evening kick-offs against Sheffield United and Watford.
Daniel Farke will certainly hope that all his players on international duty this month can return fit and firing for two tricky games against top six opposition.
The bulk of international games take place on Friday night and over the weekend, though centre-back Joe Rodon was in action on Thursday.
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Welsh media not blown away by Joe Rodon vs Iceland
Rodon joined Leeds United on a permanent deal during the summer, following his impressive loan spell from Spurs last time round.
The 26-year-old has since started all nine Championship games for Leeds this season, adding to his 47 Wales caps by starting the game vs Iceland on Thursday night.
In the squad alongside fellow Leeds teammate Karl Darlow, Rodon played the full 90 as Wales and Iceland drew 2-2 in their Nations League group.
But the media weren’t blown away by Rodon’s performance. Wales Online gave him a 6/10 rating, adding: “Nothing to really take too much issue with.
“Just didn’t quite have his usual influence at the back this time around.”
Meanwhile, Welsh football website Y Clwb Pel-Droed also gave Rodon a 6/10 score, writing: “It’s hard to remember a time that Rodon has lost a header in a Wales shirt.
“He will be disappointed to drop the two goal lead but he was solid overall in the performance.”
- READ MORE: Daniel Farke will be relieved after what happened to Ao Tanaka on international duty with Japan
Signs of fatigue creeping in for Leeds United star Joe Rodon
Despite the above ratings, Rodon actually recorded the most defensive actions on the night (12, with 10 of those being clearances).
He also won four out of six of his aerial duels on the night (most of any player on the pitch), with 57 accurate passes (second most of any player) and a pass accuracy of 90%.
So the stats paints a solid picture. But for Rodon and Wales, they weren’t as commanding as a unit as they have been in recent years.
It could be a sign of fatigue creeping in as the likes of Rodon play almost every minute of league football and then jet away on international duty.
Farke will be hoping that Rodon is back to 100% for the game against Sheffield United later this month.
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