Antonio Conte has hailed Joe Rodon as a "great man" following a fine week on the international stage for Wales. Struggling for game time at Tottenham this season with players ahead of him in the pecking order, the centre-back delivered a defensive masterclass to help his country seal a crucial 2-1 victory over Austria in their World Cup play-off.
Later wearing the captain's armband for Wales in their following game against Czech Republic, the ex-Swansea City man will be hoping opportunities come his way in the remaining nine games as he looks to finish the season on a high. Struggling at the start of 2022 after sustaining two broken ribs, Conte has confessed that Rodon didn't miss any training sessions as a result of the issue and duly praised him for his commitment.
"When our players go to national teams, my staff and I try to watch every game," said Conte in his pre-match press conference ahead of Newcastle. "This session of the national team, we have to be pleased. To see the performance of Joe and also Steven Bergwijn, it means maybe we're doing a good job with them.
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"Joe is not playing many games with us but despite this he was fit. Joe is a good player but a really really great man.
"He had broken two ribs. He did every training session. He was always available and I know very well the pain you feel when you break a rib. It means you're a great man.
"Joe has to continue in this way, work hard and have this satisfaction. I repeat to play this way with Wales in an important game in World Cup qualification, it means you're working hard and well.
"I always say this: I have a group of players working well, they're very focused and working to improve the level."
