What the national media noticed about Leeds United’s Joe Rodon in Wales’ 4-3 defeat to Belgium

A Month After Lifting the Championship Title, Leeds United Stars Still Making Their Mark on the International Stage

It has been over a month since Leeds United triumphantly secured the Championship title, earning their long-awaited return to the Premier League. Yet, for several members of Daniel Farke’s squad, the season is far from over. Many Leeds players remain active in international duty this month, representing their countries across various competitions.

Some have already returned early due to fitness concerns. Junior Firpo has had to cut his international involvement short after picking up an injury. Similarly, winger Manor Solomon, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, has returned home prematurely and will miss Israel’s second fixture—possibly to engage in discussions about his future.

Wales, in particular, have heavily relied on Leeds United talent. Under new manager Craig Bellamy, the national side called up five Leeds players: goalkeeper Karl Darlow, defenders Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon, young midfielder Charlie Crew, and winger Dan James. Elsewhere, other Leeds stars including Willy Gnonto, Mateo Joseph, and Brenden Aaronson have also remained busy with international commitments.

One of the most thrilling fixtures of the international break took place on Monday night when Bellamy led Wales into a high-profile World Cup qualifying match against Belgium. Despite suffering his first defeat as manager, the performance showcased resilience and flair, especially from Leeds defender Joe Rodon, who was a standout performer on the night.

A Thrilling Contest in Belgium

The game began in disastrous fashion for Wales. Within the first 30 minutes, Belgium had stormed to a 3-0 lead with goals from Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans, and Jeremy Doku. It looked like a long night for Bellamy’s men, but a penalty conversion by Harry Wilson just before halftime sparked a comeback.

In a spirited second-half display reminiscent of Wales’ famous Euro 2016 quarter-final victory over the Belgians, Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson both found the net to level the match at 3-3. However, the magic of Kevin De Bruyne proved decisive, as the Manchester City midfielder netted a late winner to secure a 4-3 win for Belgium.

Joe Rodon Earns Recognition Despite Defeat

Despite Wales conceding four goals, Rodon’s performance did not go unnoticed. He was one of three Leeds players on the pitch, alongside Darlow and Ampadu, and was arguably the best of the Welsh defenders. Welsh football outlet Y Clwb Pêl-Droed praised his performance, rating him a solid 7 out of 10 and calling him the standout defender in the squad—even ahead of experienced international Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur.

“Despite being part of a defensive unit that conceded three goals, Rodon was the side’s best-performing defender, winning several key duels and making important clearances,” the outlet reported.

Premier League-Ready? Rodon Makes His Case

With Leeds United preparing for life back in the Premier League, much debate among fans centers around which players are ready to step up and compete at the top level. Monday night’s performance offered a compelling argument for Rodon’s place in that conversation.

Though Wales conceded multiple goals, none were attributable to the 26-year-old defender. In fact, the third goal was likely the result of a goalkeeping error by Darlow. Rodon not only showed composure and strength in defense but also impressed with his distribution and ball control—particularly when up against one of Europe’s most formidable strikers in Romelu Lukaku, who recently helped guide Napoli to the Serie A title.

Rodon’s assured display under pressure is a timely reminder of his potential value to Leeds in the upcoming Premier League campaign. If Monday night was any indication, the Welshman is not only ready for top-flight football—he might just be one of Leeds United’s key players in it.