Jack Rudoni: Sky (Blues) is the Limit
At just 23 years old, Jack Rudoni is already able to boast an impressive career in the Championship. Two full seasons, 15 goal contributions recorded, a £6 million move and his future ahead of him, the path to success is already forged for the English man. His summer move saw him swap Huddersfield blue for the sky blue of Coventry and start a new chapter in his short career.
Rudoni spent most of his youth career in London for clubs south of the River Thames, applying his trade at Crystal Palace for a year before joining the academy of AFC Wimbledon in 2011, the club where he would make his professional debut. Eight years were spent honing his craft in the academy setup before finally being given his debut in 2019, playing twice in EFL Trophy fixtures.
That same season, The Dons thought it was suitable for the young midfielder to head out on loan. His first of two loan spells for the season saw Rudoni join Corinthian Casuals. Having only made five appearances during his whole loan spell, the deal was cut short and Rudoni joined Tonbridge Angels but would only go onto make four appearances.
Following these unsuccessful deals, Wimbledon saw it as time to integrate Rudoni into the first team. This decision proved to be the right move, as the Englishman would go onto make 11 appearances in the 2019/20 season before the campaign was cut short due to COVID-19. Rudoni recorded one assist in his appearances throughout the season. The move from then manager, Glyn Hodges, proved to be vital for the proceeding years at Wimbledon.
The following season would be the breakthrough needed for The Wombles’ star. Rudoni scored his first goal for Wimbledon against Bristol Rovers in an EFL Trophy tie. The floodgates opened after this goal, with the starlet going onto score four more in the league alone throughout the remainder of the season, adding to his three-assists recorded. With 44 games played throughout, it was proven he could step up to become a first team player.
Wimbledon narrowly avoided relegation for the 20/21 season and were destined to stay in League One for at least one more year. As the 21/22 season rolled around, Rudoni saw his time to shine and grasped it firmly. His most prolific season to date came in England’s third tier, as he recorded 12 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances in all competitions. Despite his best efforts, Wimbledon would finish 23rd and drop down into League Two.
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Rudoni became one of the hottest young midfielders on the market following his incredible season and with Wimbledon suffering from the drop, many clubs considered this the time to pounce. The Englishman joined Huddersfield in 2022 and made the step up to Championship football. Throughout his time at the Terriers, Rudoni would accumulate 48 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven and assisting a further eight.
The midfielder was a staple of Huddersfield’s team, rarely missing a game and cementing his place in the starting 11. Rudoni’s time in Yorkshire would be spent battling relegation for his two seasons there. 18th and 23rd place finishes respectively would leave Huddersfield going into League One. As the Terriers went down, Rudoni would look for a new club. An all too familiar tale.
In the summer of 2024, Rudoni would opt to join Coventry City and stay in the Championship. A 1-0 loss to Stoke City was certainly not the dream start that he would have wanted, but a 3-2 win against Oxford and a 1-1 draw away at Bristol City quickly put his Championship career back on an uphill trajectory. After falling to a 1-0 home defeat to Norwich, Coventry returned from the international break with a 1-1 draw at Watford, with Rudoni finding Ellis Simms for the opener in the fourth minute.
He led Coventry to a valiant effort against Tottenham in the EFL Cup, but late goals from Djed Spence and Brennan Johnson saw Spurs prevail with the win on the road — Coventry would proceed to lose 2-1 to Swansea and 3-0 at Leeds. However, they kicked off October on the right note, with Rudoni setting up Jake Bidwell for the opening goal in the 11th minute en route to a 3-0 demolition of Blackburn Rovers. Rudoni broke the deadlock within 26 minutes in their next match, but Sheffield Wednesday would equalize before the break and go ahead in the 93rd minute to complete an improbable comeback.
Apart from their loss at Elland Road, which saw him leave the pitch with an injury in the 83rd minute, Rudoni has played the full 90 in every single league match and has slotted into various midfield roles for the Sky Blues. The 24-year-old has been deployed in both a number 10 role and in a midfield three this season, giving Coventry boss Mark Robins the option of versatility within his midfield.
Rudoni excels when he is given the opportunity to run with the ball at his feet, driving through the heart of defence and causing issues with his ball carrying. A positive midfielder, always looking to move the ball up the pitch and create chances for his team. If he fails to create for others, his attempts will regularly result in a shot for himself. When compared to other midfielders in the league, Rudoni is within the 94th percentile for progressive carries and the 91st percentile for successful take ons per 90.
Photo: FBRef
Furthermore, Coventry’s number five is in the 89th percentile for progressive passes received, showing his ability to find space in the higher areas of the pitch to play forward and create chances for his teammates. Rudoni averages 2.14 shots per 90, with shots regularly coming from his carrying ability with the ball to find positions to shoot.
Defensively, the Coventry man does not exceed any expectations in any area. His 6-foot-tall frame does make him dangerous in the air, shown by his 1.66 aerial duels won per 90, putting him in the 84th percentile when compared to similar players. Coventry find themselves mired in an early relegation battle with just eight points from nine matches, and they’ll be counting on Rudoni to help steer them out of danger.
At only 24, Jack Rudoni has honed skills to put alongside his natural ability and emerged as a key figure at the Coventry Building Society Arena, leaving the world at his feet. Should the Englishman show his talent this season, there is no reason why we couldn’t see him playing topflight football as early as next year. The sky truly is the limit.
By: Josh Wright / @joshwrightt12__
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Nigel French – PA Images