Farke to axe in-form player over festive period as Leeds problem emerges
Ethan Ampadu will be back in the Leeds United team at “some point” over the festive schedule despite Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka both being in good form, according to Ian Darke.
The captain has returned via cameo appearances from the bench in recent games following an injury recovery which progressed more quickly than initially feared.
TV commentator Darke, speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, has revealed a heart-warming story he was told about Ampadu, 24, which comes as indicative of his character and upbringing.
“I wouldn’t suspect Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka will keep Ampadu out of the side for long, because he’s such an important and mature player,” he began.
“I remember when he was a kid at Chelsea, and people were telling me what a great lad he was and a fantastic character. He’d gone on a hospital visit somewhere and apparently wanted to stay a bit longer when the other players had gone home, so he could talk to this lad in a ward about his condition. You go back in his past and I think he’s a great character and Leeds will want him back in the team.
“He’s versatile as well – he can play in a number of positions and it’s back to that cliche, a great problem for the manager. He’ll definitely be back in at some point during the holiday period.”
Ethan Ampadu to start for Leeds United v Oxford?
There have been several instances this season when Daniel Farke has been down to the bare bones in certain areas of his team, and others where he has had a real selection headache.
Leeds United’s substitutes’ bench in their last outing at Preston [14 December] showed the talent that remains at their disposal, with Ampadu among those – some are hoping he is thrown in from the start against Oxford United this weekend [21 December].
The recent displays of Bournemouth loanee Rothwell and Japanese international Tanaka – both brought in over the summer – are making Farke’s headache stronger, though there is plenty of football still to be played.
In other Leeds news, Don Goodman gives his take on recent Evan Ferguson links to Elland Road.
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