Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes Joe Rodon has a 'huge challenge' ahead of him today.
Rodon has been handed his first Tottenham start following his £11million move from Swansea City during the summer transfer window, Jose Mourinho selecting the Welshman for Sunday's big top-of-the-table London derby with Chelsea.
The 23-year-old defender started alongside Eric Dier at the centre of defence with a daunting task ahead with Chelsea scoring more than any other team in their first nine games.
Keeping the Blues' star-studded frontline of Tammy Abraham, Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech quiet will be no easy feat and that's what Redknapp pointed out in his pre-match analysis on Sky Sports.
“Huge challenge, but what a moment for him," said the former Spurs midfielder. "It’s what you want - you want to be playing in the Premier League, the top level, he could have gone with Sanchez, he could have gone with Tanganga.
"He’ll play on that right side alongside Dier, who’s in good form, and he’ll probably be quite happy to be playing against this Chelsea forward line with Tammy Abraham - who is more of what he’s used to playing against in the Championship; a taller, bigger centre-forward.
"Where he might want to be careful is with the likes of Werner, using his pace down the side of him. It’s a massive test for him.”
Rodon had only made two appearances for Tottenham ahead of today's clash at Stamford Bridge, making substitute appearances against Manchester City and Burnley.
But with only a combined total of nine minutes of Premier League action, Rodon's litmus test will be today with Mourinho clearly trusting the Welshman amid Toby Alderweireld's injury.
