Daniel Farke says Joe Rodon is showing that he belongs in the Premier League, just over a year after being sold to Leeds United by Saturday’s opponents Tottenham Hotspur.
The centre-back only played 15 Premier League matches during his four years at Spurs, during which he played under four different managers.
After a loan at French club Stade Rennais, Rodon was loaned to Leeds in 2023 before signing permanently for then-Championship club in 2024.
The Wales international has started every league game under Farke for the past two years and netted his first career top-flight goal in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth.
Speaking ahead of the season, Rodon said he felt he had a “point to prove” in the Premier League. “I didn't play that much, of course, when I was at Tottenham,” he told Leeds Live.
“I didn't get really that much of an opportunity that every player wants. I feel like this has been a long time coming and not just for me, but for other players as well.”
These comments were put to Farke in Thursday’s pre-match press conference. “Yes, if it's his opinion, then he should be also right,” he responded.
“I can't tell ‘No, Joe, you don't have anything to prove’. It's not like he already has 200 Premier League games under his belt.
“Of course, naturally, it was more difficult to come into this side when they signed him, they were more or less playing the Champions League final
"He's grown also as a player, as a person with his personality - I think he's a way better player than he was perhaps three years ago. And for that, I think he has proven in the first games that even on this level, he can perform on a top level.
“But the message is to show this consistency, not just over a few weeks or a few months. It's important to show this over a whole course of the season. It's more or less, also the challenge for Joe right now.
“So far so good. I think he has played excellently so far. Also I like that he adds more and more to be a goal threat.”
Farke will come against a number of familiar faces on Saturday. Archie Gray - who Farke said was a “joy to work with” - and Djed Spence are now both playing their trade at Spurs and could face their former club this weekend.
Meanwhile, ex-Norwich City manager Farke has faced up against Tottenham boss Thomas Frank on five occasions while the Dane was Brentford boss. Farke has yet to lose to his counterpart, having won three and drawn two.
“So we rate each other. So I rate him so much, not just as a manager, but also as a human being,” said Farke. “Although I had good results, it’s never easy. His teams are always well-structured and well-managed. Against the ball, they play and press with intensity.
“The mentality that Thomas brings into his team, they always are pretty effective and also find pragmatic solutions to grind out results.
"This is a sign of his handwriting. His team is always fit, shows good mentality, good spirit. And this comes totally down to Thomas, and this is why it's always so difficult to get a result against the sides.”
Here at LeedsLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Leeds United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest Leeds news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.