Joe Rodon simply loves being within the wars as Welsh warrior battles to return Leeds United to the Premier League by way of the play-offs after ‘maddest season ever’

Joe Rodon has put his head in the place it hurts throughout what he describes as ‘the maddest season ever’ on mortgage at Leeds United.

The uncompromising Tottenham defender has the scars to show it too, however now he’s aiming to assist Daniel Farke‘s males end the job by profitable right now’s Championship play-off closing.

Victory over Southampton at Wembley would full an excellent marketing campaign for Rodon, who has shaped a formidable central defensive partnership with Leeds captain and Wales team-mate Ethan Ampadu.

The Yorkshire membership missed out on computerized promotion, profitable simply one in all their final six league video games, however Rodon has not taken a backward step all season.

The closely tattooed 26-year-old relishes the bodily facet of the sport and has sustained some nasty facial accidents.

‘However I really like defending and delight myself on clear sheets,’ he tells Mail Sport.

‘I clearly don’t need these form of accidents too typically, however the Championship could be very bodily and I do not assume individuals realise how powerful it’s.

‘Each staff provides a special problem and I’ve mentioned to myself in sure conditions “you have to be keen to get harm”.

‘Generally that may be the distinction and forestall the opposition scoring.’

When Leeds gained 3-0 at Millwall final September, Rodon earned reward from Farke for his ‘warrior mentality’ after enjoying on with a minimize above his eye.

Then got here an unintentional head conflict with team-mate Junior Firpo within the return fixture in opposition to Millwall in March which left him sporting a shocking shiner.

‘Sure, Millwall away specifically was a nasty one,’ provides Rodon.

‘That was the worst as a result of I had actually a giant gash but in addition a giant lump on my face which swelled up.

‘I had one other one at Sheffield Wednesday, it was a little bit minimize however the scar’s nonetheless there.

‘I’ve had a couple of head clashes too – Millwall at residence was a little bit of a tough one. However it’s simply a part of being a centre-back.’

Rodon progressed by the ranks at hometown membership Swansea earlier than being despatched on mortgage to Cheltenham City in League Two within the second half of 2017/18.

He made 12 appearances below Gary Johnson and recollects: ‘I knew I needed to discover ways to play males’s soccer.

‘It wasn’t profitable – however in my head it was. I wanted to do it.’

A return to Swansea adopted their relegation from the Premier League and Graham Potter’s appointment as supervisor.

‘Graham gave me a chance and by chance it went properly – I have never regarded again since,’ says Rodon.

After catching the attention for Swansea and Wales, he was signed by then Spurs Jose Mourinho for £11million in October 2020.

Having failed to determine himself as an everyday at Tottenham, although, Rodon frolicked on mortgage at French Ligue 1 outfit Rennes final time period as they certified for the Europa League.

He says: ‘That was a very new expertise for me in a special nation with a special language.

‘It was tough, however I made some nice pals there and performed in some necessary video games to assist Rennes end fourth, which was a pleasant ending for me.’

When new Leeds boss Farke provided Rodon the lure of a promotion problem final August, he took it.

Did he communicate to Ange Postecoglou earlier than heading to Yorkshire?

Rodon, who has a yr remaining on his Spurs contract, admits: ‘Probably not. I did not talk lots on that facet.

‘I am a giant boy and I am not going to dwell on issues.

‘I knew that the very best factor for me was to be enjoying each week.

‘Issues developed on the again finish of the switch window final summer time and I would performed in opposition to the boss’ Norwich staff a couple of instances.

‘I felt his model of soccer was at all times going to profit me and the way I wish to play.

‘After all Leeds being Leeds, it is a huge membership and I simply knew it was a giant alternative.

‘It is in all probability been the maddest season ever, however I’ve liked each minute of it.’

Connor Roberts arrived on mortgage from Burnley in January to affix Wales team-mates Rodon, Ampadu and Dan James at Elland Highway.

All 4 have been concerned when Wales misplaced to Poland on penalties of their Euro 2024 play-off in March.

Ampadu, signed from Chelsea final summer time, started the season in midfield alongside rising star Archie Grey however was then moved alongside Rodon following harm to Pascal Struijk.

‘Ethan and I’ve performed collectively quite a bit for Wales and spend loads of time collectively off the pitch, so I feel having that pure feeling of enjoying collectively was at all times going to assist,’ says Rodon.

‘However it’s not nearly us; it has been an ideal staff effort and we’re in a implausible place now.’

Rodon is coy about subsequent season amid discuss he may signal for Leeds completely.

‘It could be good to have stability and know the place I’m subsequent season,’ he admits.

‘I’ve at all times strived to get to the elite stage and hopefully I can get again there with Leeds, however you by no means know what can occur in soccer.

‘I do not need to look too far into the long run, though I do adore it right here and Leeds seems like a second residence to me now.

‘I am simply concentrating on giving my greatest and getting this membership again to the place it belongs.

‘That has been my motivation all yr and now we’re one recreation from attaining our dream.’