Neil Redfearn says 26-year-old Leeds player was ‘immense’ vs Preston

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Neil Redfearn has named the Leeds United player who he thought really stepped up with an immense performance in the win over Preston North End.

Leeds secured a dramatic victory at Elland Road. Daniel Farke’s side went behind after just 70 seconds. However, the equaliser was not too far away, with Junior Firpo setting up Daniel James.

It was during stoppage-time at the end of the second-half that the winner came, with Joel Piroe scoring from the penalty spot.

Neil Redfearn lauds Joe Rodon after Leeds win

Joe Rodon played an important role in Leeds winning the spot-kick, doing absolutely everything he could to keep the attack alive. And you could see what it meant to the centre-back when the referee pointed to the spot. The Welshman celebrated as if he had just found the top corner from 35 yards.

There was also some further celebrations when he saw the ball out of play when Preston went looking for an equaliser of their own.

Rodon is certainly doing his best to turn himself into a cult-hero. And speaking on BBC Radio Leeds, Neil Redfearn suggested that he was absolutely vital for the Whites against Preston.

“He’s enjoying himself. You can see him enjoying himself. I thought his performance today was immense, because he had Ethan at the side of him. And we know that Ethan’s natural position is a defensive central midfield player that can play centre-back. But physically, they got left a little bit short because of Ethan’s attributes. He’s not a big centre-half to play alongside of. And I thought he took the responsibility on today, Rodon, with an immense amount of presence,” he said.

“He gave Leeds a real physical presence at times when they were a little bit light physically. And it was important, because if they didn’t, against that sort of play, against a side that’s determined to make it difficult and play for set-plays and get balls in the box and pile bodies in, they’re a big side, you need your people that can compete. And Leeds were a little bit light in that department. And I thought Rodon came to the fore.”

Summer transfer priority becoming abundantly clear

Certainly, most Leeds fans seem to be in no doubt that the club need to do everything they can to keep Rodon at Elland Road.

Our time in the Premier League showed how difficult it is to find quality centre-backs. So Leeds cannot afford to let one go when he is already through the door.

Obviously, he still has to prove himself in the top-flight if we do go up. But Rodon looks at home at Leeds, so that step up may be a lot easier to cope with.

With Tottenham in title contention this year, Ange Postecoglou’s men will surely be open to cashing in on Rodon this coming summer.

And if that is the case, then Leeds have to make sure that they put themselves at the very front of the queue.