Leeds United 'warrior' Joe Rodon has proven Daniel Farke right
Daniel Farke says "warrior" Joe Rodon has repaid his faith with the way he has stepped up to Premier League football.
The Wales international appeared in the top flight 15 times for Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Elland Road, initially on loan, in 2023.
But there were only eight starts, spread over two years.
And whilst there have been moments where Jaka Bijol and particularly Pascal Struijk – another returning to the top-flight – have looked unconvincing, Rodon has maintained the consistency shown in two years of Championship football.
Rodon made a 100th consecutive start in league/play-off football in the 3-1 win over Chelsea – testament to the quality, fitness and discipline of the man Farke calls his warrior. He has only been substituted twice – against Huddersfield Town in October 2023 and Burnley in September 2024.
"He's my warrior and a key player," said Farke. "He is always there with an unbelievable attitude. To achieve this 100 (starts) in a row is amazing at this level. You just can achieve this if you are super-professional in all aspects.
"You look after your body, you look after your recovery, you look after good nutrition, good sleep. In these terms, Joe is a role model. Always motivated, always there.
"He's still improving as a player. There were a few doubts about him once we signed him but we were 100 per cent convinced that he would also play an integral part in the Premier League. This is what he's proving right now.
"There was lots of consistency and excellent performances.
"Like always, there are one or two games where perhaps he could have done in this or that a bit better but Joe is a really key integral part for my and our plans.
"He's a role model and a fantastic achievement. He should be very proud of himself. I'm definitely very proud of him."