Rodon, 27, has been superb for Leeds this season. Such is his consistency at Elland Road over the last 18 months, the Wales star’s form is simply expected of him when others would be praised if at that level.
Forming a brilliant partnership with Pascal Struijk, the duo have started every single game this season for Leeds and clocked up an impressive nine clean sheets in 15 games. Rodon has played 21 times this term.
Already, 16 in all competitions for Leeds and five more for Craig Bellamy’s Wales. This week, Rodon is preparing for a huge Nations League clash that sees Wales expected to beat Iceland at Cardiff’s Stadium.
Dan James makes exciting prediction about Leeds’ Joe Rodon
Rodon is set to win his 50th cap for Wales on Tuesday evening against Iceland, as Wales look to secure a win to give themselves a chance of Nations League promotion – or, secure a Nations League play-off.
Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of Tuesday’s clash, Dan James has said the Leeds squad is “buzzing” to have £10m Rodon permanently signed on and backed his Leeds and Wales teammate to reach a lofty 100 caps.
“It’s brilliant. I joined Swansea as a scholar and became great friends with Joe straight away. I was very excited for him to come to Leeds. It was a really positive signing for us, we were all buzzing to have him.
“It was also nice for him to be permanent for Leeds and to be loved by the fans. Reaching 50 caps will be an incredible achievement. He deserves it, I’m sure he can get another 50, he keeps in great shape.”
Leeds defence this season compared to last after 15 matches
Leeds have 29 points after 15 Championship games this season, one more than last season at the same stage. But more importantly, they are two off the top – last season, they were 11 points behind Leicester.
| Games | Wins | Clean sheets | Goals conceded | |
| 2023-24 | 15 | 8 | 6 | 16 |
| 2024-25 | 15 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
The stats say it all. Rodon is settled, Leeds have a back four that picks itself and are controlling games better with Rodon and Struijk shining. Seven less goals conceded, three more clean sheets so far.
Alongside his form for Wales, Rodon has 12 clean sheets in 21 games and has only allowed opposition to score 15 times. One thing Rodon needs to improve is his goal scored, yet to do so for Leeds or Wales.
Jayden Bogle has come on leaps and bounds in the last few games for Leeds United after a difficult start to life with Daniel Farke’s side, following his move from Sheffield United.
Bogle had impressed in the Premier League with Sheffield United but was eventually relegated with The Blades under Chris Wilder, after a difficult start under Paul Heckingbottom during the 2023-24 season.
He scored against both Manchester clubs and Chelsea. But entering the 2024-25 campaign, Bogle had entered the final year of his Bramall Lane contract and Leeds pounced, buying Bogle for a fee of £5m.
The flying right-back has since started all but one of Leeds’ 15 Championship games, missing the win over Plymouth due to picking up five yellow cards. Bogle has been speaking about his start to life at Leeds.
Jayden Bogle picks the biggest club he has played for so far
Conceding a penalty against Portsmouth on debut, Bogle was “all over the place” at Sheffield Wednesday and Tony Dorigo then blamed Bogle for Burnley’s winner. But, Bogle has since come good for Leeds.
A brilliant display against Cardiff has seemed to be the turnaround for Bogle, who has since scored twice for Leeds. On the No Behavior podcast, Bogle was asked which club is the biggest he’s played for.
He picked Leeds as the biggest of his clubs so far, having played for Derby and Sheffield United previously: “Leeds is a big club. Yeah [they’re the biggest club I’ve played for]. You feel it straight away.
“Straight away. The atmosphere, you pull up to the ground, you can just sense it. It’s got a winning feeling to it, like the club wants to win and knows how to win. It’s pressure, but it’s good. Need that pressure.”
Jayden Bogle’s stats for Leeds United since £5m move
What is clear about Bogle, is that he is great going forward but there are still a few question marks at the back. But Leeds have clocked up nine clean sheets in 15 league games, eight with Bogle in the side.
Jayden Bogle’s stats for Leeds in the Championship:
- 14 Championship stats, 7.21 FotMob average rating
- Two goals, 16 shots, four on target
- 472 successful passes, 80% pass completion
- 10 chances created, six crosses, 12 dribbles
- 18 tackles won, 84 duels won (21 headers won)
Bogle is one of the best right-backs in the Championship and if Leeds do get promoted, it is likely Leeds will keep faith with the right-back given he has experienced the Premier League with Sheffield United.
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