Swansea defender Joe Rodon had a debut to remember as the 20-year-old helped his hometown towards another league win.
The youngster starred in the Swans’ 1-0 victory over Preston, keeping a clean sheet at the heart of the defence to make it two league wins out of two.
Rodon has been on the book at the Welsh club since under-nine level and made his first senior appearance at the Liberty Stadium after a 12-year journey through the ranks.
Alfie Mawson’s transfer to Fulham has left the door wide open for Rodon and the Welshman has seized an opportunity to gain a regular place in the starting eleven.
Rodon said, as quoted by Swansea City FC: “To be honest, it’s still all a blur to me. With a clean sheet and win, I couldn’t have asked for a better debut.
“It’s been 12 or 13 years since I started this journey. To join as an under-nine player with a season ticket and finally be a part of it now is all a dream. Hopefully, I can do more.
“I’m at the age now where the gaffer’s got to be able to rely on me and, after all these years, it’s exciting to finally get there and I’m grateful for this opportunity.
OPINION
After Swansea lost one of their key defenders, Alfie Mawson, supporters know that they would need to find a strong replacement for a swift return to the top flight. The 20-year-old would have known his debut display here would be a talking point but he put in a star performance and was excellent at the back. When Swansea were under huge pressure in the second half, the rookie can be immensely pleased and proud of the assured display and should be considered in future games to partner van der Hoorn. The Swans have began their league campaign in the strongest possible manner and will be tested in the next two matches with trips to Birmingham and Leeds. If the Welsh side can take points from both games, it should place them in good stead for setting an early trend as title challengers. Despite Rodon’s inexperience, it is key that he can gain as much minutes under his belt as possible as he looks like a future prospect for the club. His love for the club will be evident after watching the club through his childhood years as a passionate fan and more defensive clean sheets could make him warm quickly towards his own.