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‘Doesn’t really fancy him’: Journalist thinks Conte isn’t a fan of 24-year-old Tottenham player

Giuseppe Labellarte

Wed 16 February 2022 17:15, UK

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte “doesn’t really fancy” Joe Rodon, football.london’s Rob Guest has speculated.

The 24-year-old has struggled to make his mark on Hotspur Way since arriving from Swansea 16 months ago.

Spurs paid the Swans an initial £11million to sign Rodon in October 2020.

One of the best defenders in the Championship when he joined, the Wales star was tipped for success at N17.

However, Rodon remains a fringe player at Spurs, with just 22 first-team appearances under his belt.

recently claimed that some of the squad’s senior players have been pushing the claims of Rodon behind the scenes in recent weeks.

But with Eric Dier closing in on a return to action from his thigh injury, it looks as though the Welshman won’t get a chance to stake his claim.

“Has never let himself down”

In ‘s latest Tottenham Q&A, a fan asked about the prospect of Conte using Rodon until Dier is back.

“Antonio Conte made it clear last year that Joe Rodon is Eric Dier’s deputy when he is out,” replied Guest.

“Yet it’s only in the FA Cup game vs Morecambe when he has started.

“Rodon has worn the captain’s armband before for Wales so he certainly has leadership qualities.

“Something Spurs dearly lack at the back when Dier has been missing as it’s not something Davinson Sanchez or Cristian Romero possess at present.

“However, the fact Conte hasn’t started him in Dier’s absence suggests that he doesn’t really fancy him unfortunately.

“Rodon has never let himself down when he has played for Spurs and a regular run in the team is what he needs to show that he has a part to play for the club.

“As Conte admitted last week that he is hopeful Dier will be back for the Man City game, Rodon’s chance may have simply come and gone.”

Rodon looks increasingly unlikely to stay at Spurs beyond the summer – TBR View

If Conte earmarked Rodon as Dier’s back-up but hasn’t used him while Dier has been injured, that really doesn’t bode well for the ex-Swans man.

Rodon has worked hard to make himself available to Conte, including playing through the pain barrier amid rib injuries.

And his teammates rate him highly, as per the report claiming they’ve been urging Conte to pick him.

But if he doesn’t play even in case of an injury to Dier, when is he going to play?

With that in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Tottenham offload Rodon in the summer.

It’s a shame if that were to happen, as he looks like he’s got a lot to offer Spurs.