Joe Rodon just loves being in the wars as Welsh warrior battles to return Leeds United to the Premier League via the Play-offs after ‘maddest season ever’
Joe Rodon has left his head in pain during what he describes as ‘the craziest season ever’ on loan at Leeds United.
The uncompromising Tottenham defender also has the scars to prove it, but now he wants to help Daniel Farke’s men get the job done by winning today’s Championship play-off final.
A win over Southampton at Wembley would complete an excellent campaign for Rodon, who has formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Leeds captain and Wales team-mate Ethan Ampadu.
The Yorkshire club missed out on automatic promotion, winning just one of their last six league games, but Rodon has not taken a step back all season.
The heavily tattooed 26-year-old enjoys the physical side of the game and has suffered some nasty facial injuries.
Joe Rodon is certainly not afraid to get stuck as he looks to guide Leeds back to the top
The Welsh defender has been battered and bruised in several matches during a ‘crazy’ season
“But I like defending and am proud of the clean sheet,” he told Mail Sport.
‘I obviously don’t want to have these kinds of injuries too often, but the championship is very physical and I don’t think people realize how tough it is.
“Every team presents a different challenge and I have said to myself in certain situations, ‘You have to be prepared to get hurt.’
‘Sometimes that can be the difference and prevent the opponent from scoring.’
When Leeds won 3-0 at Millwall last September, Rodon was praised by Farke for his ‘warrior mentality’ after continuing to play with a cut above his eye.
Then came an accidental collision with teammate Junior Firpo in the return leg against Millwall in March, which saw him produce a stunning display.
“Yes, Millwall away was a particularly nasty one,” Rodon adds.
‘That was the worst because I literally had a big cut, but also a big bump on my face that was swelling up.
‘I had another one in Sheffield Wednesday, it was a small cut but the scar is still there.
“I’ve had a few head clashes too; Millwall at home was a bit of a rough situation. But it’s just part of being a central defender.’
Rodon clashes with Millwall’s Tom Bradshaw during last September’s match at The Den
He also met with Millwall’s Jake Cooper in the second leg at Elland Road
35,000 Leeds fans will make the trip to the capital in the hope of making it to the Premier League
Rodon rose through the ranks at hometown club Swansea before being loaned out to Cheltenham Town in League Two in the second half of 2017/18.
He played 12 games under Gary Johnson and remembers: ‘I knew I had to learn to play men’s football.
‘It wasn’t a success, but in my head it was. I had to do it.’
A return to Swansea followed their relegation from the Premier League and the appointment of Graham Potter as manager.
‘Graham gave me a chance and luckily it went well. I haven’t looked back since,” Rodon said.
After attracting attention at Swansea and Wales, he was signed by then Spurs Jose Mourinho for £11 million in October 2020.
However, after failing to become a regular at Tottenham, Rodon was loaned out to French Ligue 1 team Rennes last season, where they qualified for the Europa League.
Rodon is more than happy to be the hard man as he puts his body on the line for the cause
He says: ‘That was a completely new experience for me in a different country with a different language.
‘It was difficult, but I made good friends there and played in some important games to help Rennes finish fourth, which was a nice ending for me.’
When new Leeds boss Farke offered Rodon the lure of a promotional challenge last August, he took it.
Did he speak to Ange Postecoglou before leaving for Yorkshire?
Rodon, who has a year left on his Spurs contract, admits: ‘Not really. I haven’t communicated much on that front.
‘I’m a big boy and I don’t dwell on things.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke with Rodon (right) and goalkeeper Ilian Meslier (left)
“I knew it was best for me to play every week.
“Last summer things developed towards the end of the transfer window and I played against the boss’s Norwich team a few times.
“I felt like his style of football would always benefit me and how I like to play.
‘Of course Leeds is Leeds, it’s a massive club and I just knew this was a big opportunity.
“It’s probably been the craziest season ever, but I’ve loved every minute of it.”
Connor Roberts joined Wales teammates Rodon, Ampadu and Dan James on loan from Burnley in January at Elland Road.
All four were involved when Wales lost on penalties to Poland in the 2024 European Championship play-off in March.
After an uncertain end to the season, Leeds defeated Norwich to reach the Wembley final
Signed from Chelsea last summer, Ampadu started the season in midfield alongside rising star Archie Gray but was subsequently moved alongside Rodon following Pascal Struijk’s injury.
“Ethan and I have played a lot together for Wales and spend a lot of time together off the pitch, so I think the natural feeling of playing together would always help,” says Rodon.
“But it’s not just about us; it’s been a great team effort and we’re in a fantastic position now.”
Rodon is cautious about next season amid rumors he could sign for Leeds on a permanent basis.
Rodon’s season ends after Sunday’s final, with Wales failing to reach Euro 2024
“It would be nice to have stability and know where I will be next season,” he admits.
‘I’ve always aspired to get to the top level and hopefully I can get back there with Leeds, but you never know what can happen in football.
‘I don’t want to look too far into the future, although I do like it here and Leeds feels like a second home to me now.
‘I’m just focusing on doing my best and getting this club back to where it belongs.
“That has been my motivation all year and now we are one match away from achieving our dream.”