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Photo by Ian Cook - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Ian Cook - CameraSport via Getty Images

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‘I give so much credit’: Daniel James loves what Spurs player did on Tuesday night

Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte

Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon has been praised by Wales teammate Daniel James for his superb late block in last night’s World Cup qualifier.

The Spurs ace may have struggled for game time under Jose Mourinho, but he played the full 90 minutes in both of the Dragons’ tournament qualifiers during the March international break.

Wales ran out 1-0 winners over Czech Republic in Cardiff, James breaking the deadlock nine minutes from time with a header from Gareth Bale’s magnificent cross.

Deep into injury time, the ball fell to Ondrej Celustka just eight yards out, and he had the chance to put the Czechs level.

However, Rodon launched himself in the way of the shot and deflected the ball over the bar, a moment which went a long way to ensuring Wales took all three points.

Speaking after the game, James told Sky Sports, as transcribed by : “I give so much credit to Joe Rodon for that block at the end, it’s just as much as I got the goal, that’s a goal for him.”

Both sides finished the game with ten men as Patrik Schick was sent off for raising his hand to Connor Roberts following a tussle in the box.

Roberts was then dismissed for a second booking, having received the first in the incident with Schick.

The result sees Wales move up to third in Group E on three points, four behind leaders Belgium.

Wales v Czech Republic - FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifier
(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

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Rodon has made 15 appearances for Spurs this season, including eight in the Premier League.

It’s not a huge amount, but at just 23, he’s got plenty of years ahead of him, and he’s developing nicely.

Mourinho will have kept tabs on Rodon’s displays over the past week and he’ll surely be impressed with how he’s done.