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Leeds United midfielder Ethan Ampadu stinks out for Wales v Turkey, he may be replaced at half-time
Wales entered the half-time break of their crucial Euro 2024 qualifiers against Turkey 1-0 up but one Leeds United man Ethan Ampadu failed to show up.
Wales needed to triumph over Turkey on Tuesday evening (21 November) and hope Croatia drop points against Armenia to ensure their spot at next summer’s Euro 2024.
A defeat would mean they would have to secure their place through the play-offs in March but Rob Page’s men entered the half-time break in the ascendancy after a rousing start.
The Welsh took the lead inside 17 minutes when left full-back Neco Williams latched onto Harry Wilson’s pass before cutting inside in the penalty area and crashing a sizzling shot past the Turkish goalkeeper.
As it stood, Page’s men would have ensured of their place in next summer’s competition if results stayed the same but the Welsh coach will not have been happy with the performance of his key man in midfield Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu has been a key player for both Leeds and Wales this season, but he certainly had an off-first half against the Turks, one which will have Page reeling.
It was a full-throttle contest that saw both sides take it in turns to attack, with Wales needing a victory to keep their qualifying prospects fully alive.
Ampadu did have some promising moments in the half, but his lack of influence in the midfield third will not have pleased both his international manager and club coach Daniel Farke one bit.
As per SofaScore, the Leeds United maestro just won 50% of his total duels, was dribbled past once, failed to complete any of his long balls and gave away one foul.
While such numbers may not seem disastrous, it’s a far cry from his midfield partner Jordan James who was everywhere in midfield, breaking up play and also distributing the ball well to his attacking teammates.
James won 100% of his duels, successfully completed 100% of his long balls, and 92% of his passes and barely gave the Turks a sniff in midfield. The former Chelsea in comparison was nowhere near James’ levels and could well be dragged off at half-time.
In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke’s hand may have been forced by a development 1,200 miles away.