It has been a month since Leeds United secured the Championship trophy and yet, some of Leeds United’s squad remain in action with their countries this month.
Junior Firpo has returned early due to injury and Manor Solomon won’t be in action for Israel’s second match, with the on-loan Tottenham man also heading home ahead of schedule – perhaps, for talks.
Wales quintet Karl Darlow, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Charlie Crew and Dan James were called up by Craig Bellamy. Willy Gnonto, Mateo Joseph, Brenden Aaronson and other Leeds players are in action.
On Monday night, Bellamy took his Wales side to Belgium in a World Cup qualifier and what followed was a stunning match. Bellamy suffered his first defeat as Wales manager, but in the best way possible.
Leeds United defender Joe Rodon earns praise from Welsh media
Wales went 3-0 down before the half-hour mark thanks to goals from Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku. But Harry Wilson scored a penalty just before the break and the Welsh fought back.
In a re-run of Wales’ famous Euro 2016 quarter-final win, Sorba Thomas and then Brennan Johnson made it 3-3. But of course, Kevin De Bruyne was on hand to score the seventh and final goal of the game.
Rodon was one of three Leeds players in action alongside Darlow and Ampadu and Y Clwb Pel Droed said Rodon was Wales’ best defender on the night – ahead of long-term Leeds target, Tottenham’s Ben Davies.
“Despite being part of a defensive unit that conceded three goals, Rodon was the side’s best-performing defender, winning several key duels and making important clearances,” they reported, giving him 7/10.
Rodon shows Leeds he is Premier League worthy vs Lukaku
Debates are being had on social media every day among Leeds fans, over which of Daniel Farke’s side are good enough to play a role in the Premier League. Rodon is expected to remain a mainstay next season.
Monday night proved it. Yes, Wales conceded three goals but none of which were down to Rodon – and the third probably a mistake from Darlow. Rodon was excellent, not just defending but with the ball too.
Joe Rodon’s stats for Wales in Belgium loss:
- 90 minutes played, 112 touches (more than any other player)
- 93 successful passes out of a possible 96 (97% – best and most of any player)
- Nine passes into final third (second best, to Davies)
- Nine defensive actions (second best), two interceptions (best on pitch)
- Two recoveries, two blocks, three clearances
- Four duels won, four lost
Coming up against a striker like Lukaku, who has just guided Napoli to the Serie A title, shows just how well Rodon played and that the Wales star is more than ready to play in the Premier League for Leeds.
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