It has been an excellent international break when it comes to the Leeds United players involved with their countries, as 13 of Daniel Farke’s squad travelled to represent their countries.
Junior Firpo helped The Dominican Republic qualify for the 2025 Gold Cup for the first time, laying on two assists in a 6-1 win over Bermuda. Mateo Joseph scored his sixth goal in seven games for Spain’s U21’s.
Elsewhere, Max Wober returned to the pitch for the first time since the start of September and Wales kept Craig Bellamy’s start as manager unbeaten with a draw against Turkey and then a 4-1 win over Iceland.
Bellamy called-up four Wales players to his squad for the games, including Charlie Crew, Karl Darlow and Dan James. But it was Joe Rodon that excelled once again, as the centre-back secured his 50th Wales cap.
Tottenham star Ben Davies heaps praise on Leeds man Joe Rodon
In the absence of Aaron Ramsey, Tottenham defender Ben Davies is captaining Wales. Davies has been linked with Leeds in the past, given the growing contingent of Wales stars currently residing in Yorkshire.
With Crew an established member of the Wales squad and Ethan Ampadu injured, Leeds had as many as six Wales players last season with Connor Roberts on loan. Davies though, has remained at Tottenham.
Taking to Instagram following Rodon’s 50th cap and Wales’ 4-1 win, Davies branded Rodon a “warrior” for his performances – not least because Rodon suffered a nasty gash to his head in the draw in Turkey.
His caption read: “Great week away with the boys. Jet2 to Turkey, big win at home and 50 caps for the Welsh warrior Joe Rodon.”
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Joe Rodon’s remarkable stats for club and country after 22 games
Praise has been aplenty for Rodon this week. Bellamy said there aren’t many better than Rodon, while Leeds teammate James thinks Rodon can go and reach a whopping 100 caps for Wales in years to come.
Rodon’s stats for club and country this season:
Rodon has played every single minute of every possible game he could have played for Leeds and Wales this season and is arguably, in the form of his life. If Leeds are to get promoted, that must continue.
Rodon, James and Joel Piroe will all face their old side in Swansea City on Sunday afternoon when Leeds return to action, the first of five games in the space of 16 days as we approach the busy Christmas period.