Leeds United stalwart reveals new dressing room nickname for Pascal Struijk and squad’s ‘mental hurdle’
Leeds United defender Joe Rodon has invented a new moniker for central defensive partner and Monday evening’s matchwinner Pascal Struijk after the Dutchman netted twice to seal all three points against Sunderland.
Struijk and Joe Rothwell came off the bench with 20 minutes of normal time remaining at Elland Road, combining twice to twist the game on its head and give Leeds’ automatic promotion aspirations a massive shot in the arm.
There were euphoric scenes in LS11 and further afield as Leeds sealed their 2-1 victory over Sunderland, whose performance also drew plaudits from experts and members of the United squad.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Wales international Rodon lauded the Black Cats’ strategy and their ability to frustrate Leeds: “I think credit to them, they came prepared, they had solid shape, their wingers were dropping deep with their full backs, because obviously they know how dangerous our wingers are.
It was always difficult to break things down.”
Rodon, however, was more enthusiastic about his own team and their never-say-die attitude, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in the fifth minute of stoppage time at the end of the second half.
“As a team we have worked incredibly hard all season, and especially the pre-season, the boss enjoys pushing us hard, and I think that’s the standard that we set ourselves.
We never stop. We’re going to keep pushing and driving.
And ultimately, we push ’til the finish, and that’s where anything can happen. Teams get exhausted, and that’s where gaps start to build up.
And that’s where I think this season we have scored a lot of late goals. So, I believe it’s a tribute to our coaching team and everyone involved.”
“Just as a mental viewpoint, I think ride the momentum that we’ve been on the last few weeks, so to then go one-nil down and come back and win the game was a big obstacle for us mentally.
And, sure, I think we want to get as many wins on the board and keep that momentum going here at home.
As you saw tonight, the supporters were just phenomenal and so, to give them that at the end of the game and then come away with the three points as a team, everyone pitching in, it’s a tremendous night.”
Rodon did, however, reserve special admiration for matchwinner Struijk, with whom he has formed quite a powerful alliance this season.
He said: “As everyone sees, set-pieces can be the difference and Pascal’s a tremendous head magnet. For him to score two goals tonight is incredible.”
United now have a week to prepare for another top-of-the-table clash at Bramall Lane as second-place Sheffield United lie in wait for the league leaders from Elland Road.
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