Things to Know About Wales International Joe Rodon
By Mitch Wilks
Despite the transfer window slamming shut on 5 October for overseas deals, Premier League and EFL clubs still have the chance to conduct business with one another until 16 October, meaning there's bound to be some big last-ditch transfers.
Tottenham are still in the market for a defender to complete an almost perfect transfer window, and while they've already signed the best Welsh player around in Gareth Bale, one Welshman coming to north London isn't enough for them, it seems.
That's because Swansea City's Joe Rodon is on the radar, though he might not be known to everyone. Don't worry if that's the case, 90min has got you covered.
Wanted by Spurs
Despite a rather impressive summer of spending, Spurs haven't finished just yet - having missed out on signing a centre back in the overseas market.
Their interest in Milan Skriniar failed to materialise and a move for Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger is also dead in the water. As a result, Jose Mourinho's side have turned their attention to Rodon, with the BBC reporting that Swansea are expecting a bid from the Lilywhites.
A move for Rodon would provide youth and progression to a revitalised Tottenham backline, complimenting the signing of left back Sergio Reguilon. If they can get it done, Rodon would make it a perfect window for the club.
Style of Play
Rodon is the perfect blend of the modern centre back with the frame of an imposing, old school defender. Standing at 6'4" he's physically dominant and subsequently strong in aerial duels, but also reads the game supremely well.
This reading of the game, combined with a strong technical ability, makes him a competent passer of the ball and a vital asset to starting plays for Swansea. He's confident with the ball at his feet and capable of bringing the ball out to find the right pass at short or long range.
Of course the natural step up to the English top flight wouldn't allow him to hit the ground running and look like a prime Paolo Maldini, but there's serious potential in the 22-year-old - a key reason why's he been linked with most of the top six. If Spurs can be the ones to complete a deal, it's a statement signing.
Swansea Fan, Swansea Regular
Rodon is Swansea City through and through.
He was a season ticker holder in his youth and joined the club as a footballer aged just eight, and has been there ever since (via a loan to Cheltenham in 2018). He signed his first professional contract with the club in 2015 and has since become one of the first names on the team sheet.
His loyalty and his ability makes him a fan favourite, but, naturally, Swansea will be resigned to losing him in the not so distant future. Should he join Spurs, he'll arrive with a solid handle of first team experience in the EFL, a notably tough league, having made 54 appearances in total for the Swans already.
An ankle injury limited him to just 21 appearances last season, but he's now fully recovered and started all of his side's five games so far this season.
Already an International
Having represented Wales at various youth levels, he received a call up to the preliminary senior squad in May 2018, but didn't make the final cut. He finally received full international honours in August 2019 in a friendly against Azerbaijan, however, and has since made four appearances for the senior Wales side.
Wales head coach Ryan Giggs isn't shy of promoting youth who he feels are deserving of a call up, having already handed senior caps to Manchester United's 19-year-old Dylan Levitt and Liverpool's 19-year-old Neco Williams.
Giggs is a fan of Rodon and believes he needs regular game time in order to continue developing, previously saying: "Joe made a fantastic start to his international career and then he got injured but now he’s come back and he looks really good, looks really sharp.
"I was really impressed when I first worked with Joe. I thought he was a fantastic player, another one with a good attitude and someone who will improve.
If you're good enough, you're old enough.