Leeds United man puts in another 8/10 as he shackles Barcelona star with ease – Report
Soccer Football – Euro 2024 Qualifier – Play-Off – Wales v Poland – Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Britain – March 26, 2024 Wales’ Joe Rodon in action with Poland’s Robert Lewandowski REUTERS/Molly Darlington
Leeds United centre-back Joe Rodon has been in imperious form for club and country this season, and his performances translated into Wales’ Euro 2024 qualification clashes, albeit without success last night.
The international break is over now with Daniel Farke expecting his internationals to report back to Thorp Arch for preparation ahead of a trip to Watford this Friday.
Four of those players were in the Wales squad for the crucial Euro 2024 playoff clash against Poland, with the winner advancing to the finals in Germany this summer.
Wales 0(4)-0(5) Poland: Dan James misses all-important penalty
It wasn’t the greatest of spectacles in South Wales on Tuesday night with the home side not playing with the freedom that could have seen them dispatch of a fairly poor Poland side.
A goalless draw extended into extra-time with the game looking nailed on for penalties, and that was how the game was eventually decided, with Wales losing 5-4 from the spot.
Everyone had done their job up until Wales’ fifth to take a penalty, substitute Dan James, who saw his penalty saved by Wojciech Szczesny at a nice height for the stopper.
It sees Poland qualify for the Euro’s while Wales will be staying at home.
Where will Leeds finish in 23/24?
Joe Rodon gets another 8/10 as he bosses Robert Lewandowski
Despite the main flashpoint of the match creating headlines for the wrong reasons, the Leeds contingent performed well, Joe Rodon in particular.
Playing in the middle of a back three, Rodon’s task was clear: stopping Robert Lewandowski, which he did as the Barcelona star did little to threaten Danny Ward’s goal.
WalesOnline shared their player ratings for the game, giving Rodon another 8/10 for his display in bossing the Poland talisman:
“You rarely notice him, which is always a decent thing for centre-backs. Always in the right place at the right time and rarely places a foot out of line. Shoved Robert Lewandowksi off the ball in a perilous one-v-one.”
Rodon proved just how good he is at the back against Lewandowski
There aren’t many individual tests that are much greater than being in charge of stopping Lewandowski, but Rodon did just that.
He has been an absolute monster for Leeds and that dominance showed against one of the world’s best up front.
As much as it’s gutting that he won’t be at the Euro’s, it’s good to think from a selfish perspective that he won’t be in the shop window, just like Ethan Ampadu.
