Because Leeds United already has a large number of Wales internationals, Connor Roberts should have had an easy time adjusting.
Roberts joined the club on a deadline-day loan from Burnley and scored his debut goal in last Friday’s stunning comeback triumph over table-topping Leicester.
The 28-year-old was Leeds’ only January addition, but the club was reportedly linked with the entire Rob Page squad, including David Brooks, Ben Davies, Kieffer Moore, Chris Mepham, and Neco Williams.
Leeds already possessed three Wales internationals in Ethan Ampadu, Dan James, and Joe Rodon, all of whom Roberts is familiar with, having played alongside them at Swansea City previously.
Rodon is said to be his closest friend, and on the most recent episode of the Official Leeds United Podcast, Roberts shed some light on the pair’s relationship, joking that the 26-year-old is constantly subjected to ‘pelters’ in the dressing room from club and international teammates.
Roberts offers light on the Rodon relationship.
He remarked, “He is a big muscular centre-back and he does what he does, but he gets pelted by everyone to be honest. Even when we go with Wales, Ben Davies and Danny Ward rely on him, as do we all.
Once Leeds’ interest in Roberts became public, it was evident that he wanted to make the move, and the Welsh contingent is likely to have played a significant role in that.
It was also clear how close Roberts and Rodon are off the pitch when the latter’s brother Sam began tweeting about the prospective transfer before it was even finalised.
Roberts has previously commented about their on-field synergy and understanding, which is likely due to their off-field friendship.
These funny new comments about the £15 million man Rodon should not come as a surprise, given some of the criticism Ampadu and James heaped on him on a podcast episode they taped together.
