Tottenham centre-back Joe Rodon was partnered in defence for the first time by Djed Spence on Saturday as Rennes hosted Lille – but the Wales man struggled in a 3-1 home loss, and French media have criticised the on-loan defender.
Rodon, 25, clocked up his 19th appearance for Rennes while Spence made his debut. It got off to a perfect start for the Ligue 1 side, Amine Gouiri opening the scoring in the first minute. But Lille improved, and ran out 3-1 winners at FT.
After a brief stint on the bench, Rodon has now started and finished the last four Ligue 1 outings. He starred in a win over PSG, keeping the likes of Neymar and Lionel Messi at bay. But in 19 games, Rennes have kept four clean sheets.
A struggle, then.. On Saturday, he earned more criticism. French outlet Dicodu Sport published a player ratings piece which handed Spence a 5.5 rating – joint second alongside two others. £11m Rodon, though, was only given 4/10.
“He suffered this evening against the Lille waves of attack, in the duels with a 2/5 which is unacceptable for a player in this position. He is not free from criticism, especially on the last two goals from Lille,” Dicodu Sport reported on Rodon.
FRENCH MEDIA HAVE CRITICISED TOTTENHAM CENTRE-BACK RODON ON SATURDAY
Rodon is having an indifferent season in France. Some decent displays, and then some that have highlighted his flaws. A rashness in defence, at times. If this loan is going to show anything to Antonio Conte, it is that he cannot be trusted.
Eric Dier is above Rodon in terms of being in the middle of a back three. Realistically, it is much more likely that Spurs look to bring in a defender to improve on Dier and sell Rodon in the summer – rather than use Rodon going forward.
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