Joe Rodon has been speaking ahead of Leeds United’s play-off final with Southampton tomorrow afternoon.
The Whites are set to make the trip to the capital looking to secure a place in next season’s Premier League against a Southampton side who were relegated alongside them just 12 months ago.
This will officially be the final game of Rodon‘s initial loan spell at Elland Road, and will be desperate to help Leeds to victory to enhance his chances of a permanent move.
Leeds are all but certain to sign him if they do go up, but remaining in the Championship would make things considerably more difficult.
Other Premier League clubs have been alerted by his form since joining Leeds, while the need to comply with the EFL’s PSR constraints could make it more difficult to meet Tottenham’s asking price.
Rodon shares why Connor Roberts is so key in the dressing room
Leeds have one of the youngest squads in the league and so for many, this will be their first taste of playing at Wembley, and of a final.
As such, they will be leaning on the experience of some of the more senior heads, perhaps none more so than captain Liam Cooper, who will be desperate for promotion in his last Leeds appearance.
But speaking on the latest episode of the Official Leeds United Podcast, Rodon has labelled Connor Roberts as one of the most vocal and important players in the dressing room.
Roberts only joined the club on loan in January but has made just two league starts since his arrival, partly due to injuries, but also the form of others.
However, the 28-year-old is one of the only players to have experienced a play-off final in the squad and Rodon believes he could be very important on Sunday, even if he doesn’t play.
He said: “The fans have been amazing and I’m sure when we go to Wembley, we’ll hear them most of the game. It is going to be a special occasion for all of us but we have a very good group here, with a lot of leaders.
“Even someone like Connor, who is very vocal in the dressing room, who always says all the right things. On the pitch as well, although I can’t really hear him on the pitch.”
Burnley confirm Roberts to return from loan spell
Having joined on deadline day, Roberts actually hinted that joining Leeds permanently was something that he wanted to do.
While that may still happen if Leeds decide to initiate talks, Burnley have confirmed he will be returning to Turf Moor this summer.
Burnley have just been relegated back to the Championship and so will be looking to build a team capable of a promotion push, of which Roberts clearly fits into.