EXCLUSIVE: Verdict on Leeds United 'stand-out' as Norman Hunter record edges closer
Joe Rodon is close to surpassing an incredible record held by Leeds United legend Norman Hunter.
Former Leeds United centre-back Matt Kilgallon has been impressed with summer signing Jaka Bijol - but it’s one of his defensive teammates who has stood out this season.
Bijol left Udinese for Leeds in a £15million deal over the summer but after missing the season-opener at Everton due to suspension, struggled to break into the first-team. The Slovenian briefly replaced Pascal Struijk but has now found a place alongside the Dutchman and his Championship title-winning partner, Joe Rodon.
That has come thanks to a surprise change of formation from Daniel Farke, with Bijol slotting into the central role of a back-three. It’s a role he knows well, thanks to his time with the Slovenian national team, and one in which he is currently looking most comfortable.
The 26-year-old scored his first Leeds goal in a 3-1 win over Chelsea earlier this month and for large parts, has kept on top of opposition strikers since slotting in alongside Struijk and Rodon. But for Kilgallon, it’s the ever-present Welshman who has been Farke’s most reliable defender this season.
“Bijol looks better with two next to him,” he told the YEP via slots that use real money. “I think he looks better. I think it suits him more. Aggressive on set pieces. I think it suits him more this three, that’s for sure. There’s a little bit more protection around him at the minute, and him in the middle where he can go in with the headers.
“But yeah, it’s early days for him. It’s good competition there for the centre-halves. I think there’s three good centre-halves there. I think Rodon has been outstanding this season. I think he can play in a two and he can play in a three. He’s been a stand-out for me.”
Ex-Leeds United defender on incredible Joe Rodon record
Farke clearly agrees, having started Rodon in every single Premier League game this season - only Jayden Bogle can boast the same level of trust. The centre-back also started every Championship game last season and has not missed out in the league since a 3-1 defeat at Southampton back in September 2023.
Rodon started his 100th consecutive league and play-off game for Leeds during the win over Chelsea in which Bijol scored, and he’s now on 102 having featured against Liverpool and Brentford. Barring injury, it’s difficult to see the Welshman not beating Norman Hunter’s record of 113 consecutive league starts.
“Unbelievable, isn’t it? That’s some achievement, 100 games on the bounce, and the quality he’s played at,” Kilgallon added. “And you know what? I could probably say of all the games I’ve watched, I’ve probably seen him have one bad game as well, like 98 of them have been good games.
“Solid, really impressive performances. He’s been in a different class. I really like his approach. He is aggressive, calm on the ball, a massive asset to Leeds United. I’m a big fan, I really enjoy watching him play.”