When Leeds United were promoted to the Premier League, many expected the composition of the squad to change. There were huge doubts about how the football would hold up when they got to the top flight.
Daniel Farke coached the best attack in the Championship that got 95 goals, and the second best defensive unit in the league. The Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk combination held strong last season, but some fans felt a change was needed. So when over £20million was splashed on Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw, many thought the Struijk-Rodon pairing would be split up.
But on the contrary, both have kept their places in the team with some fine performances this season. Leeds have conceded 11 goals, but the shot quality is around 7.9 expected goals, which ranks near the top of the league. This means the Whites are a better defensive side than the numbers show.
QUIZ: Can you name the Leeds game these 10 goal celebrations are from?
Leeds United man reaching another level this season
The Welshman has earned plaudits from fans and pundits alike. Daniel Farke recently praised Rodon, saying that he has improved over the last two seasons:
“It is more difficult to play at Tottenham as a relatively young centre-back.
“He has matured now and grown as a player.
“I think he is a way better player than he was a few years ago and I think he has proven in the first few games that he can play at this level. So far so good.”
Farke was very spot on with the assessment of Rodon; he is currently among the better center backs in the Premier League this season.
Joe Rodon radar Credit: Imago
He is a very good passer of the ball from the back (75th percentile for forward passes %) and has remained an elite defender (94th percentile for defensive duels won %). If he keeps up these performances, he might not be at Elland Road past this summer.
Joe Rodon can add more goals to his game
A month ago, Jermaine Beckford tipped Rodon to score more goals from set pieces after the defender netted against Bournemouth: “If he can get himself four, five, six goals this season, I think that’s brilliant and it shows how much we’ve improved from set pieces.”
Joe Rodon shot map Credit: Fotmob
Rodon has had six shots this season, five of them being headers – one being the goal against Bournemouth. And with his goal against Belgium, this could be a sign of things to come. Daniel Farke has already revealed this season that Leeds are working with companies when it comes to set piece analysis.
“We have specialists who work with the lads. External companies last season who we worked with so it’s a very important topic to be successful.”
If Rodon can continue to improve on his aerial ability, Beckford’s prediction of ‘five or six’ goals this season could come true. And with Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff on dead balls, the defender could be a real weapon this season.
