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Antonio Conte says Tottenham have a ‘silent player’ that is showing ‘great commitment’ behind the scenes
Antonio Conte has told his pre-match press conference – – that Joe Rodon is “silent” behind the scenes, but is showing great commitment in training as he fights for Tottenham game time.
Rodon, 24, has managed just one appearance for Tottenham under Conte this season – the 2-1 loss to NS Mura in Slovenia. He was hooked shortly after half-time, along with Dele Alli and Tanguy Ndombele.
The Wales international was left out of the matchday squad on Thursday night against Brentford – a game which Spurs won 2-0. Son Heung-min was the difference, scoring one and forcing an own goal.
Reports from suggested this week that ex-Swansea defender Rodon is growing ‘frustrated’ and would be open to a January loan move. Conte was asked about Rodon on Friday afternoon.
Asked about the central defender on Friday afternoon, Conte responded by saying that the defender is working hard in training – stating he sees Rodon as back-up to Eric Dier in the middle of a back three.
“I see Joe behind Eric Dier in the central position,” Conte said. “Joe is a player who has showed me really, really great commitment, a will and desire to learn and improve himself.
“He’s a silent player that works and works because he knows that he wants to improve. I’m satisfied for the improvement that I’m seeing in the training sessions about him.”
Conte on Rodon: Should Tottenham man go on loan in January?
Ideally, Conte wants to sign a couple of central defenders for Tottenham. Rodon is acting as cover for Dier and if the England international immediately becomes unavailable – then Rodon becomes instantly important.
But with Dier remaining fit, Rodon is not getting game time. Either Conte works with Rodon to turn him into a player that can play either side of Dier – or he brings in a defender and allows Rodon to get some much-needed time.
