Joe Rodon has made a solid start to life in France after leaving Tottenham on loan – but as things stand, the Welshman will need a season like Arsenal’s William Saliba in Ligue 1 to stand any chance of resurrecting his Tottenham career.
Rodon, 24, managed just two Premier League substitute appearances under Antonio Conte last season. Conte managed 28 of Tottenham’s 38 league games. In 24 of those 28, Rodon was left on the bench as an unused sub.
It says a lot about the opportunities that he was given, that he actually played as many times for Wales. He clocked up much more in terms of minutes for his country last season, than he did in a Tottenham shirt. A loan was the right move.
But does the £15million signing have what it takes to break back into Tottenham’s side? He has started and finished seven of Rennes’ eight games so far, scoring his first senior goal. Last time out, he helped his side beat Auxerre 5-0.
However, Conte is renowned for his rigid rotational policy. His defence will remain the same. Eric Dier is first choice, a mainstay, one of the first on the team sheet. Right now, it seems almost impossible Rodon will get past Dier.
Rodon will need season like Saliba to resurrect Tottenham career
Last season, Saliba – a £27million signing – went to Marseille. Having failed to play a single match in Arsenal’s first team during his first two years at the club, his Arsenal time was dwindling. But his immense Marseille form saw him recalled.
Saliba played 52 times for Marseille, helping his side keep 19 clean sheets. The finished second, and he became a France international. He returned to Arsenal as first choice, even pushing Ben White has to the right side of defence.
If Rodon is to save his Tottenham career – as Saliba has done at Arsenal – then he will need to produce a season like Saliba did at Marseille. If not, Rodon may find himself on the transfer list when he returns from Rennes next season.
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