05:00, 07 Mar 2026<\/p>\n
![\"Ethan](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0_GettyImages-2264647121.jpg\")
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Ethan Ampadu was left crestfallan at full time vs Sunderland(Image: George Wood\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Gordon Strachan has underlined how Ethan Ampadu is the linchpin for Leeds United<\/a>‘s Premier League survival quest both on and off the field.<\/p>\n Ampadu<\/a> has been key to United\u2019s push towards top-flight safety this season but has struggled in his last couple of games and gave away the decisive penalty in Tuesday\u2019s 1-0 defeat to Sunderland, having handled the ball.<\/p>\n Daniel Farke described how disappointed he was after full-time but once again reiterated how his captain is his most important player. Title-winner Strachan, skipper of Leeds between 1989 and 1995, waxed lyrical about the credentials Ampadu has shown this season.<\/p>\n Speaking prior to the defeat to Sunderland, Strachan<\/a> told Leeds Live<\/strong>: \u201cHe\u2019s been really impressive this season and there\u2019s a lot of small things that you don’t see off the pitch as a fan which he\u2019ll be doing as a captain – whether that\u2019s sorting something internal for a player\u2019s family or being a shoulder to cry on.<\/p>\n FOLLOW OUR LUFC FACEBOOK PAGE!<\/strong> Latest news, analysis and more on our Leeds United FB page<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThere was a match where I recall he came on as a substitute, and he changed the game by playing at his pace. He\u2019s brave on the ball and doesn\u2019t pass until it\u2019s the right time; he\u2019s a difference-maker and I can see why he\u2019s the captain of Leeds.<\/p>\n \u201cIf the game is hectic and chaotic, he\u2019ll slow it down and he recognises when his team needs to step up the tempo.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a player that you look to in the tunnel and you\u2019re glad he\u2019s on your team, and I\u2019ve been really impressed with his contributions for the club this season.\u201d<\/p>\n