Leeds United: Ethan Ampadu set to be moved after blow which Pascal Struijk ‘didn’t deserve’
Paul Robinson has predicted Daniel Farke will look to switch Ethan Ampadu back into midfield to accommodate the return of Pascal Struijk from injury.
The Welshman arrived from Chelsea in the summer and thrived in midfield from the get-go, but dropped into the back line next to international teammate Joe Rodon after a groin injury to stand-in captain Struijk after Christmas.
The Whites have gone from strength to strength with that set-up, with Bulgarian Ilia Gruev slotting into midfield as Leeds United have beaten everyone they’ve played since the New Year.
But Robinson, while being convinced that Rodon has to start, has also been highly impressed with Dutchman Struijk, so doesn’t expect him to have to wait long to get his place back after a lay-off which he didn’t deserve.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News he said: “Pascal Struijk had been a mainstay in the Leeds defence since the start of season and he got the captaincy. I think he’s come onto a different level this season. In the Championship he’s found his feet.
“He’s been really, really good under Daniel Farke this season. He was unfortunate to get injured but Joe Rodon I’ve been really, really impressed with. For me he plays with A. N. Other, as has been the case, whether it’s been Ampadu or [Liam] Cooper, the defence has been settled with Joe Rodon in that.
“I like his pace. I like his reading of the game. He’s had a few clubs but he seems to have settled and found his home at Leeds.
“With Pascal Struijk coming back he didn’t deserve to lose his place but it gives the manager a really good option now to play Ampadu back in midfield.”
Pascal Struijk unlucky to lose Leeds United place next to Joe Rodon
If Ampadu is shifted back into midfield it will presumably be Gruev who makes way as he is the most recent addition to the XI, but the former Werder Bremen man will equally not have deserved losing his place if that happens.
He is the fourth addition to the Leeds United midfield this season who has stepped in an excelled, after his two fellow transfer arrivals Ampadu and ex-Rangers man Glen Kamara, as well as youth academy graduate Archie Gray.
It certainly feels like any combination of the four will perform at a high level currently, just as it does between at least three centre-back options.
At the same time it potentially risks upsetting momentum to tinker with the current starters when Struijk returns, which is predicted to be in a fortnight or so [Yorkshire Evening Post, 14 February], although rotation may be inevitable with important fixtures coming thick and fast.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have picked up a pair of attacking talents in the past few days who have been at Arsenal and Manchester United this year.
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