Former Wales and Swansea centre-back Ashley Williams has heaped praise on Joe Rodon, insisting that the Tottenham man is an old school type of defender which is a rare bread these days.
Rodon showed plenty of promise when opportunities came his way at Spurs last season following his move from Swansea City in the summer.
The 23-year-old would have been hoping to have a bigger impact this season but he has had to be content with game time in the Europa Conference League so far, having yet to start a Premier League game under Nuno Espirito Santo.
In contrast, the centre-back has been a key player for Wales and has emerged as a leader at the back for the Dragons.
Rodon put in two solid displays for Robert Page’s side against the Czech Republic and Estonia over the international break, with the Spurs man earning rave reviews from fans on social media for his performances.
Speaking on the back of Wales’ 1-0 win over Estonia, Williams insisted that Rodon is one of the first names on the teamsheet for his country.
The former Wales captain told Sky Sports Football (11/10/21 at 7:20 pm): “He’s (Rodon) very important (to Wales). He is one of the very first names on the teamsheet.
“I have been a big fan of Joe’s for years now. I think he is someone we are going to build the team around. Ethan Ampadu, players that are crucial to our future.
“I think when Joe plays, I love to watch him play because he can do both sides. He’s very composed in what he does, when it’s chaotic, he settles the game down a little bit. Take a touch and he’s not panicking at all.
“He can start attacks for Wales from the back. Breaking the teams’ press (whilst driving with the ball forward), it just nullifies the opposition and what they are trying to do. And we are up the pitch with one dribble or a couple of passes.
“On the other side, he’s a little old school, which you don’t get to see these days from a defender. He celebrates tackles and blocks.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I do believe Rodon has great potential but Spurs fans should be wary of judging him based simply on his performance for Wales or in the Europa Conference League.
The reality is that he will face much sterner tests in the Premier League than he would against the likes of Estonia, the Czech Republic or Belarus.
While we do not know how good he can be until he gets a run of matches in the Spurs side, we do not have enough evidence to suggest that the 23-year-old is the answer to our defensive issues.