‘Pulled Me Aside And Said’ – Leeds United Star Reveals Tottenham Legend’s Advice
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Leeds United defender Joe Rodon has opened up about the guidance he received from Tottenham Hotspur legend Gareth Bale, who advised him not to let mistakes dictate his reaction and instead focus on the next moment in the game.
A youth product of Swansea City, Rodon made his breakthrough with the Swans before earning a move to Tottenham Hotspur, where he shared the pitch with Bale during the latter’s loan spell in the 2020/21 season.
He played 24 matches in a Spurs shirt, earning praise from Antonio Conte, who noted clear improvement in his performances, while Jose Mourinho also spoke positively about the centre-back, stating he was “happy” with the 26-year-old.
The pair featured together in 26 matches for Wales, including the Dragons’ round of 16 clash with Denmark at Euro 2020.
The Welsh centre-back joined Leeds United on loan in 2023 and completed a permanent move the following summer, establishing himself as a mainstay at Elland Road and most recently earning praise from Daniel Farke after making his 100th consecutive start for the Whites.
Rodon admitted that in his younger days he could be overly critical of himself after making mistakes, revealing that lingering on errors would sometimes carry into the remainder of his performance during matches.
He recalled Tottenham legend Bale taking him aside at Spurs and explaining that such reactions stemmed from the high standards he sets for himself, while also reminding him that mistakes are an inevitable part of the game.
The 28-year-old added that the former Wales skipper urged him not to dwell on those moments, but instead to brush them off and concentrate on the next action on the pitch.
Rodon said on The Official Leeds United Podcast (7:01): “When I was younger, I was really hard on myself after making a mistake and I think that would kind of carry on into the game for a period of time.
“So I think Gareth Bale kind of pulled me aside and just said, ‘I think it’s just more you hold yourself to high standards, so I think it was more a reaction after a mistake.
“So don’t worry about it, everyone makes mistakes
“Just get on with it, and it’s all about what you can do next.’
“So I think that’s probably the best one.”
This season, Rodon has started 27 Premier League matches, even chipping in with two goals, with Whites skipper Ethan Ampadu praising the defender and highlighting the professionalism he brings to the side.
The Yorkshire club currently sit 15th in the table, just three places above the drop zone and are involved in a relegation battle which even includes Rodon’s former club Tottenham.
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