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Post by alarch on Jan 21, 2019 11:58:47 GMT
When I saw Rodon play for the Wales U23s I was fairly impressed, but not blown away (although I've been unimpressed with a few U23s who've done well subsequently, including Wilson - the low vantage point in the games I've watched is probably a factor). But ever since he's started playing Championship football he's looked the part.
Rodon has pretty much all the basic ingredients to make it to the top as a centre back: height (6' 4"), pace, composure on the ball and passing accuracy. He doesn't just make the easy sideways passes across the back four - he's always looking to make penetrative longish vertical passes, predominantly on the ground - and his accuracy is very good. He's also been given license by Potter to carry the ball out from the back - even to the edge of the opposition penalty areas at times, and looks assured in doing so. I can't remember seeing him lose the ball when taking these considerable risks for a centre back. How often do you see centre backs advance from the back and then lose their composure, losing the ball and presenting the opposition with good counter-attacking opportunities? Not Joe.
The weaknesses in his game that he needs to work on are his finishing - he's had a few presentable chances, although to be fair set-piece delivery is a weakness in the Swansea team (I suspect he may fare better with Bale, Wilson, Brooks or Woodburn delivering the ammunition). Also, even though he's good in the air, he somewhat lacks physicality - unsurprising given his age and lack of experience. He also needs to get tighter to the opposition at times - for instance he allowed Pukki the space 6 yards out to swivel and fire home for the fourth for Norwich.
All-in-all a very exciting prospect. If Mepham is deemed good enough for the Premier League with only half a season more experience I can't see Rodon not attracting PL attention soon. I'll be surprised if he's still a Swan in 12 months time, which obviously I have mixed feelings about.
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Post by fiveattheback on Jan 21, 2019 12:33:27 GMT
When I saw Rodon play for the Wales U23s I was fairly impressed, but not blown away (although I've been unimpressed with a few U23s who've done well subsequently, including Wilson - the low vantage point in the games I've watched is probably a factor). But ever since he's started playing Championship football he's looked the part. Rodon has pretty much all the basic ingredients to make it to the top as a centre back: height (6' 4"), pace, composure on the ball and passing accuracy. He doesn't just make the easy sideways passes across the back four - he's always looking to make penetrative longish vertical passes, predominantly on the ground - and his accuracy is very good. He's also been given license by Potter to carry the ball out from the back - even to the edge of the opposition penalty areas at times, and looks assured in doing so. I can't remember seeing him lose the ball when taking these considerable risks for a centre back. How often do you see centre backs advance from the back and then lose their composure, losing the ball and presenting the opposition with good counter-attacking opportunities? Not Joe. The weaknesses in his game that he needs to work on are his finishing - he's had a few presentable chances, although to be fair set-piece delivery is a weakness in the Swansea team (I suspect he may fare better with Bale, Wilson, Brooks or Woodburn delivering the ammunition). Also, even though he's good in the air, he somewhat lacks physicality - unsurprising given his age and lack of experience. He also needs to get tighter to the opposition at times - for instance he allowed Pukki the space 6 yards out to swivel and fire home for the fourth for Norwich. All-in-all a very exciting prospect. If Mepham is deemed good enough for the Premier League with only half a season more experience I can't see Rodon not attracting PL attention soon. I'll be surprised if he's still a Swan in 12 months time, which obviously I have mixed feelings about. Being an international probably helps Mepham's cause when PL teams are looking at him Interestingly him and Rodon are almost exactly the same age, with Mepham about 2 weeks younger than Rodon. They could be our centre back partnership for 10 years |
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Post by iot on Jan 21, 2019 13:09:09 GMT
Thanks for the info. I haven't watched him much at all, I think I saw parts of the initial games when he was breaking in, but that's all. I remember being impressed by his stature and quality on the ball, but the weakness I picked up on was his positioning - there were a couple of instances where he had let people run in behind him. As you say, he has all the physical and technical attributes, it seems that he may only be lacking on the mental side of the game - perhaps understandable at his age, although Ampadu would disagree! The likes of Cannavaro and Maldini were masters at it - knowing when to nip in and when to hold back. It's an underrated skill - it's probably something you can learn but it's also probably something you have instinctively. That would be my only worry about Rodon and his potential.
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Post by iot on Jan 21, 2019 13:10:14 GMT
Thanks for the info. I haven't watched him much at all, I think I saw parts of the initial games when he was breaking in, but that's all. I remember being impressed by his stature and quality on the ball, but the weakness I picked up on was his positioning - there were a couple of instances where he had let people run in behind him. As you say, he has all the physical and technical attributes, it seems that he may only be lacking on the mental side of the game - perhaps understandable at his age, although Ampadu would disagree! The likes of Cannavaro and Maldini were masters at it - knowing when to nip in and when to hold back. It's an underrated skill - it's probably something you can learn but it's also probably something you have instinctively. That would be my only worry about Rodon and his potential. For example, Phil Jones has all the physical attributes and isn't bad on the ball too - but we all know he's not quite there mentally! |
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Post by barry on Jan 21, 2019 15:19:37 GMT
They're the perfect players to eventually step in for Ash and Chester. Yup. I had thought Ben would have to come in to center back before these two appeared on the scene. He can still play in his preferred position now. |
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Post by manulike on Jan 29, 2019 11:49:56 GMT
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Joe Rodon
Apr 6, 2019 14:35:54 GMT
via mobile
Post by CrackityJones on Apr 6, 2019 14:35:54 GMT
Back on the bench for Swansea today.
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Post by manulike on Apr 6, 2019 15:45:02 GMT
Back on the bench for Swansea today. Came on with ten minutes to go ;-)
GREAT NEWS
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Post by barry on Apr 9, 2019 19:09:08 GMT
On the bench again.
As much as I would like to see him back in the starting eleven from a Welsh perspective it would be very harsh on Carter-Vickers who has been excellent since he stepped up. Would love us to sign h im permanently.
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Post by iot on Apr 22, 2019 13:58:59 GMT
Having conceded seven in their last two and with Rodon back fit and available for the last 4 games, I would have thought he would be in a good position to start today. But disappointingly he's on the bench. At this rate, he's running out of time to make an impression for our double header in june, so it doesn't look like he will be in a position to contribute until later on in the campaign.
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Joe Rodon
Apr 22, 2019 14:42:55 GMT
via mobile
Post by welshiron on Apr 22, 2019 14:42:55 GMT
Should still be in the squad ahead of Lockyer.
If he still qualifies for the u21s might be worth him getting some games there.
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Post by manulike on Apr 23, 2019 20:00:07 GMT
played 20 minutes in previous 2 matches and only 3 minutes in the last one. Doesn't look promising ;-(
Ash, on the other hand, played full 90' games in last 4 ;-)
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Joe Rodon
Apr 23, 2019 20:32:23 GMT
via mobile
Post by allezlesrouges on Apr 23, 2019 20:32:23 GMT
played 20 minutes in previous 2 matches and only 3 minutes in the last one. Doesn't look promising ;-(
Ash, on the other hand, played full 90' games in last 4 ;-)
To be fair Swansea are pushing for an outside chance of the playoffs, so may be less inclined to throw him in there, especially given the run they are on. If they mathematically can't get in the top 6 they may put him in for the final game or two. |
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Post by alarch on Apr 26, 2019 17:18:52 GMT
I guess many on here won't have seen Rodon play - but this little clip showcases his quality:
To make up the several yards of head start that the Ipswich forward had and then execute a perfect block perfectly illustrates his pace and composure. By no means the finished article, but a number of Swansea fans refer to him as a Rolls Royce of a player.
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Post by iot on Apr 26, 2019 21:56:38 GMT
I guess many on here won't have seen Rodon play - but this little clip showcases his quality: To make up the several yards of head start that the Ipswich forward had and then execute a perfect block perfectly illustrates his pace and composure. By no means the finished article, but a number of Swansea fans refer to him as a Rolls Royce of a player. That's all very well, but how did the striker get in behind in the first place? I only say that because it's something I picked up on in his first few appearances for Swansea where his positioning was sometimes all over the shop. |
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Post by alarch on Apr 26, 2019 22:20:59 GMT
He looked offside - but if he was onside then both Van De Hoorn and Grimes are the ones playing him onside not Rodon. I can't say his positioning was that bad, and it's worth pointing out that Swansea's defence was very solid early doors. Apart from a few dodgy performances prior to his injury he was consistently reliable. Statistically whoscored.com indicate that his strengths are his passing and blocking, with tackling as a weakness: www.whoscored.com/Players/302312/Show/Joe-Rodon From what I've seen there are no glaring weaknesses, perhaps a slight lack of physicality - which is to expected at his age. I know it's easy to get carried away with youngsters, but I think he's the real deal, and every bit as good as Mepham. I don't think he'll be with Swansea beyond next season. |
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Post by barry on Jul 27, 2019 15:54:24 GMT
Exceptional game today against a very good Atalanta side.
Looked very sharp. Could be a standout season from him. Surely his first Wales cap is not far away.
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Post by alarch on Jul 28, 2019 12:03:42 GMT
Exceptional game today against a very good Atalanta side. Looked very sharp. Could be a standout season from him. Surely his first Wales cap is not far away. I'm wary of over-hyping players, but once in a while it's hard not to get carried away, and I'm heading that way with Rodon. He oozes class, his movement and passing are top notch - he just looks like a top half Premier League player. Of course, he lacks the experience of a top notch centre back, and it's hard to judge how a rookie would fare in the much more challenging environment of the Premier League. Despite those caveats I'm confident he will be the next big thing in the Welsh national team, and it's only a matter of when, not if, he supplants James Lawrence in the pecking order. |
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Post by alarch on Jul 28, 2019 12:56:51 GMT
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Post by allezlesrouges on Jul 28, 2019 19:23:15 GMT
Mepham-Rodon is the pairing of the future. Make it happen Giggs.
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Post by gwernybwch on Aug 11, 2019 21:12:36 GMT
Mepham-Rodon is the pairing of the future. Make it happen Giggs. Maybe he will as soon as September. Giggs was at Derby v Swansea yesterday by all accounts. |
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Post by barry on Aug 11, 2019 21:51:14 GMT
Mepham-Rodon is the pairing of the future. Make it happen Giggs. Maybe he will as soon as September. Giggs was at Derby v Swansea yesterday by all accounts. Should have been impressed. One of his best games defensively. Seemed always to be in the right place. None of the sloppy distribution from last week either. |
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Post by iot on Aug 19, 2019 9:43:12 GMT
Disappointingly, Rodon's come in for a lot of stick from Swans fans - so much so that he's had to deactivate his twitter account. Saw this from Lee Trundle:
'If it’s true what I’m reading about Joe Rodon deactivating his account cause of stick off his own fans you should be ashamed of yourself.you know nothing about football. The lad is class and will be a star for club and country'
Not sure if it's specifically to do with his performance in the most recent 3-2 win, or if it's broader than that. Lots were saying after the league game before that that Rodon deserved the motm, so it's odd his own fans would turn on him so quickly. Can any swans fans share any light on this?
I was excited to see him partnering Mepham against Azerbaijan, but I'm not so sure now. I hear so much widely contrasting comments about him that it's difficult to gauge how good he is
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Post by alarch on Aug 19, 2019 10:30:19 GMT
It's fair to say Rodon had a poor first half - but so did the entire Swansea team, who were comprehensively outplayed by Hull in that first half. Rodon had a couple of longish passes intercepted that could have led to goals. Having said that the one goal Swansea did concede came from a poor clearance from Van Der Hoorn - yet he didn't get the stick Rodon got.
How Swansea managed to finish the half level beggars belief. Second half, Rodon was terrific, going on several runs right up to the edge of the Hull penalty area. Tremendous character to manage that after a ropy first half.
Swansea, like all clubs, have some pretty moronic followers - and nothing should be read into the opinions of a tosser minority. Rodon is a class act and it's only a matter of time before he becomes a mainstay for Wales. He should definitely start against Belarus, and possibly start against Azerbaijan, depending on availability. However, if Williams (set to join Bristol City) is playing regularly, his experience should give him the nod for now.
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Post by alarch on Aug 19, 2019 11:17:44 GMT
Rodon's Strengths: Passing: Very assured on the ball. In wide areas when closed down he's happy to twist and turn, or go on a run to work a passing opportunity. Plays the ball almost always on the floor. Accurate and smooth distribution long and short. Whoscored.com rate's Rodon's passing as "very strong". Aerial ability: Wins more than his fair share of aerial battles, which is unsurprising given his height. Speed: Fast for a centre back. Blocking: Rodon's happy to put his body on the line, and whoscored.com rate blocking as a "strength". Responsibility: Willing to bring the ball out from the back - often going on mazy runs well into opposition territory. Areas to work on: Longer balls: it's good that he's focussed on keeping the ball down, but with time I'd expect him to add a bit more variety to his game, with more long diagonals and balls over the top for forwards to run onto. Tackling: whoscored.com rate Rodon's tackling as a "weakness". I can't say it's something I've particularly noticed, and he's certainly willing to get stuck in with sliding tackles, but it would seem this is an area for improvement. Awareness: He's pretty good already considering his age, but it's unsurprising that at times he makes some poor choices given his lack of experience. If you look at Hull's goal you'll see that he drops too deep as the shot comes in, allowing the Hull number 8 to advance on goal, and the shot from the edge of the box passes behind him: www.swanseacity.com/video/player/0_onwjcldmGoal threat: not scored yet for Swansea, and not threatened much to do so. Given his height and agility I'd expect him to offer more of a threat from set pieces. I expect him to improve on this area of his game. The big caveat about Rodon is that his experience is entirely at Championship level. He's sure to be tested more at international level, and although I'm sure he's up to the task eventually, there's always the chance he'll make rookie errors early on in his international career. On that basis I'd take a fully match fit Williams or Chester over Rodon for the qualification matches for now. |
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Post by iot on Aug 19, 2019 12:28:10 GMT
Williams won't go straight into the team and there's only 3 games over the next 15 days before the international, so I doubt he'll get more than 30mins playing time in total. I'd be amazed if he were match-fit, so looks like a straight toss-up between rodon and lockyer, unless davies is trusted as one of only two CBs.
In theory, Rodon should be an excellent CB. He has all the physical and technical attributes needed and is a very modern type of defender. However, there are some qualities in a CB that are more difficult to assess - it's what ampadu has in abundance - awareness, positioning, know-how, decision-making - knowing when to press out of a defensive line, knowing when there's someone running in behind you and tracking that run, knowing where to be to block crosses etc. Yes he's quite young and is likely to improve on that front, but that type of know-how is something that comes more naturally to some people than others. I'm not saying rodon's very bad at it because I haven't watched him enough, but that may be what's letting him down - I do recall on the one or two occasions I've seen him I noticed him failing to pick up on runners going in behind. It's not all down to age - just look at ampadu! And rodon isn't that young either, he will be 22 in October.
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Post by alarch on Aug 19, 2019 12:52:46 GMT
Williams won't go straight into the team and there's only 3 games over the next 15 days before the international, so I doubt he'll get more than 30mins playing time in total. I'd be amazed if he were match-fit, so looks like a straight toss-up between rodon and lockyer, unless davies is trusted as one of only two CBs. In theory, Rodon should be an excellent CB. He has all the physical and technical attributes needed and is a very modern type of defender. However, there are some qualities in a CB that are more difficult to assess - it's what ampadu has in abundance - awareness, positioning, know-how, decision-making - knowing when to press out of a defensive line, knowing when there's someone running in behind you and tracking that run, knowing where to be to block crosses etc. Yes he's quite young and is likely to improve on that front, but that type of know-how is something that comes more naturally to some people than others. I'm not saying rodon's very bad at it because I haven't watched him enough, but that may be what's letting him down - I do recall on the one or two occasions I've seen him I noticed him failing to pick up on runners going in behind. It's not all down to age - just look at ampadu! And rodon isn't that young either, he will be 22 in October. Very good points made, and yes, Ampadu seems a class above in terms of awareness and maturity (notwithstanding that stupid challenge that should have got him a red card in the Denmark match at home). It's too early say definitively in the case of Rodon, but he was very impressive from the off last season - and more consistent than his far more experienced fellow centre back Van Der Hoorn. On that basis, and the fact that he seems a very level-headed and likeable character, I'm confident he will progress sooner rather than later. I haven't seen anything to suggest that he's not at least as good as Mepham, and he's by no means the finished article. |
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Post by alarch on Aug 19, 2019 12:59:03 GMT
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Post by barneycat1 on Aug 19, 2019 13:29:05 GMT
I have watched the Swans 3 league games. Yes, Rodon didn't pull up trees in the first half against Preston, but there again didn't make a mistake either. He was decent in the other 2 and a half games.
Must start. He will get 70+ caps.
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Post by manulike on Aug 21, 2019 21:03:35 GMT
I only got back home in time to see the second half, but thought that Joe had a superb match.
QPR were pingging balls constantly into the box and our Joe seemed to have the calmness and maturity of an experienced old-timer to control the ball and usually start a counter attack. MOTM in that 2nd half, for me.
I'd like to see him v Azerbaijan. Maybe in a back three with Davies and Meps? With Connor and Neil flying up-field?
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