Tottenham End Transfer Window by Signing Defender Rodon

Spurs Signing Rodon by the Numbers

Joe Rodon continues the Jose Mourinho trend of bringing in big, athletic footballers. In fact, of 7 signings for Tottenham only defender Sergio Reguilón is shorter than 1.85 meters. Rodon, like Vinicius, Bale, and Hojbjerg before him is a towering figure in the back at some 1.93 meters, the tallest of all the summer signings. For those in the states, Reguilón is about 5’8” and 1.85 meters is approximately six foot even.

What is important about the size of Rodon, like Vinicius, Bale, or Harry Kane; is that the Welchman knows how to use his size effectively. According to Whoscored.com Rodon has averaged more than 3.5 aerial wins per match for each of the last two seasons. As the young defender has grown in experience his dominance in the air is beginning to emerge.

Rodon has won more than 5 aerial duels per match to start the season for Swansea. While four games is a small sample size, more than 20 aerial duel wins in just four matches is an impressive number. If you watch a little video online of Rodon, you can see those aerial skills on full display as he aggressively attacks balls in the air on both the defensive and offensive ends of the pitch.

The success in the air really contributes to another number that stands out in looking at Rodon’s statistics, which is his more than 5 clearances per match, over the last two seasons. Like his header success, this season that number has increased again, nearly 8 clearances per match this year. When you win five headers a game, which are mostly clearances, it is easy to see why the number is so high.

However, when watching the video online, you do not see a defender just booting the ball away. Rather you see a young player who is willing to bring the ball down, with his feet and chest, and make a smart pass out of the back rather than just blast the ball away.

The willingness to play with the ball at his feet is also important as it compliments the nearly 1.5 interceptions per match Rodon has averaged over the last two seasons. Again, in looking at tape, you see a player who appears to have a real understanding of the game. That understanding leads to good timing which is important for interceptions and tackles as a defender.

With a near 85% pass completion rate, a solid long ball in the bag, and now two national team appearances for Wales, Joe Rodon seems like a good buy who should help Spurs moving forward. However, like any signing, Rodon does not come to Spurs without a couple questions.