Leeds United midfielder Ethan Ampadu is club captain at Elland Road, while also being one of the most vital players for Wales as well.
Ethan Ampadu gave away a penalty against Belgium for a harsh handball last night, but the Leeds United ace was relentless from the first minute until the last kick against Kevin de Bruyne and co.
Ally McCoist hated the decision for handball on Ampadu for Wales and the likes of Harry Wilson defended Ampadu against Belgium. He grew into the game from that point, despite his side conceding four.
Leeds fans were also fuming for Ampadu in the game, but the Leeds ace is one of the most mentally strong players, hence why he is Daniel Farke’s captain. Speaking of, the German will love one thing from last night.
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Ampadu was one of the best signings in the Championship in the 2023/24 season, having established himself as a key player after joining from Chelsea.
In that first campaign, he was virtually ever-present all season, having been substituted just once in the league, and missing just one of Leeds’ 55 games in all competitions when he was rested during a replay in the FA Cup against Plymouth Argyle.
His durability is part of why he is so loved by fans and managers alike. Craig Bellamy absolutely adores Ampadu and Pascal Struijk doesn’t think Ampadu gets enough credit.
When you consider that he has to be sacrificed from his best position to play as a centre-back, it puts it into perspective more. However, Ampadu is at his best when able to win midfield battles and challenge for duels regularly.
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On commentary duty last night, BBC Sport commentator Simon Davies said the following of Ampadu: “Well, Wales are getting to these second balls.”
Nia Jones responded: “Yeah, they certainly are. That’s been inspired by Ampadu in the centre of midfield.
“He is working tirelessly in there to do that.”
It is why Farke has to do his very best to maintain Ampadu in a midfield role, be that as part of a double-pivot or the lone defensive midfielder screening the back four at the base of midfield in the current 4-3-3 shape.
The tenacity against players of de Bruyne and Amadou Onana’s quality was evident for the full 90. His vital importance is underlined by the fact Ampadu has matched records from the Don Revie era, and his availability is imperative to Leeds’ survival hopes.
Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesLeeds and Wales midfielder Ethan Ampadu’s post-match reaction
Leeds need to make more of Ampadu’s long throw-ins going forward, but his mentality and leadership are also paramount both on and off the pitch.
That was shining through post-match. In a testament to his character, he spoke to the BBC, despite the handball earlier in the match.
He was very much focused on what is next for Wales, stating: “One thing is to reflect on the performance and there is some positives to take from out there.
“But, ultimately, the result is what we wanted. Disappointed with the goals. Against a good team, cheap goals to give away.
“Ultimately, we’ve paid the price for it.”
On the penalty calls being disappointing, he added: “No, very. It sort of sucks the momentum. As you said, we started very well on the front foot.
“[We were] bringing the game to life. Then, a penalty which we will look back at. It’s a bit of a sucker punch.”
On lifting themselves, he said: “We’re professional footballers. You go through disappointments, go through hard defeats, and tough results.
“And we’ve got to pick ourselves up. We’re going to do that. Obviously, there is a little bit of a gap now and we go off to our club teams.
“But, when we come back, the pride of playing for Wales will get us through that.”