Jose Mourinho has praised Joe Rodon for his performance against Sheffield United but admitted that the young defender still has a lot to learn.
Rodon has been forced to watch on from the sidelines more often than not since arriving from Swansea in the summer.
He was handed just his second Premier League this afternoon and put in an assured display alongside Eric Dier and Ben Davies in a back three.
The 23-year-old made some crucial interceptions and looked quite composed despite his lack of experience at this level.
Some Spurs fans on social media raved about the defender’s display at Bramall Lane and suggested that he should be starting every game.
However, Mourinho was more realistic about his analysis as he claimed that the Welsh international still has to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
When asked about Rodon’s performance, the Tottenham boss told Football.London: “He played well. He did many things well, a couple of things not so well, but he’s a player who of course was playing in the Championship.
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“A young guy, he has to learn. One thing is you want a central defender and you pay 70m for one of the top centre-backs in Europe, then go resolve your problems.
“Another thing is to get a good player, but a player who needs to develop. With Joe, that’s the situation.”
The Portuguese coach did admit, however, that the youngster has all the attributes needed to develop into a top central defender.
Mourinho added: “He has to learn, he has to make mistakes, he has to play, he has to not play. We have to try to give him conditions to perform. but potentially, potentially, of course, he’s a good player who can become much much better.
“I’m happy. He did the same against Chelsea. He made a mistake that could have cost the game in the last minute but this is the mistake a young guy coming from a different reality can make and he has to be supported like he is and I am very pleased with his performance.”
Spurs Web Opinion
While it is clear that Rodon has the physical and technical attributes needed to become a top central defender, what was most impressive was the composure he showed. He also seemed quite vocal and often demanded Aurier to come back into position. While Rodon still has a long way to go, he is showing signs of potentially becoming a leader in the future.
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