JOE RODON AGE: 22 CLUB: SWANSEA POSITION: CENTRAL DEFENDER VALUE: £3M

WHAT HAS HE GOT?

THIS Wales international is just returning from injury but looks like creating a very strong defensive partnership with Chelsea loanee Marc Guehi. Commanding at 6ft 4in, Rodon played on the right side of his partner in a back four. The opposition only had one main striker, with a second forward dropping deeper into midfield when possession was lost. Rodon knew exactly when to follow this player and when to drop and hold his ground. For a young player, his reading of the game impressed me. When the opposition cleared the ball out of danger, it seemed magnetically attracted to the centre area, where Rodon was positioned to intercept and start Swansea attacks. There is no question that he is very comfortable stepping out with the ball. Several times in the first half, with Swansea playing a high line, he met the ball on the right and played an accurate pass to keep his team on the attack. He is very calm and, when facing pressure at free-kicks and corners, he stood his ground against a muscular front man who was more intent on barging him than playing the ball. When his full back went forwards to join attacks, Rodon was aware of the space vacated and covered the area when the opposition striker spun out towards the touch-line. He was the winner of the aerial battle, capable of dealing with balls played down the middle and also with crosses delivered from wide, when he cleared well with good distance and width.

WHAT DOES HE NEED?

HIS pace was rarely tested. I would like to have seen him against a smaller, trickier striker. He has an interesting gait; his feet are slightly ‘10-to-two’, so he needs to be very mobile and sharp on the turn. However, on this performance — which contributed towards a clean sheet — he made a positive impression and, at just 22, he looks a very valuable asset.