Credit: Imago

Samuel Fabre

Mon 23 March 2026 10:40, UK

Ethan Ampadu was phenomenal in Leeds United‘s 0-0 draw with Brentford at Elland Road on Saturday.

Since joining the Whites from Chelsea in 2023, he has made 117 appearances and has become a crucial part of the team.

The club captain has scored three goals in that time, but it’s his role in defensive midfield which has made him invaluable to Daniel Farke.

And since Farke’s side were promoted to the Premier League, the Wales international has adapted brilliantly to the demands placed on him.

In Leeds’ draw with Brentford, the likes of Brenden Aaronson and Lukas Nmecha failed to deliver, but Ampadu was a standout in the centre of the park.

Ethan Ampadu proves his worth vs Brentford

The captain’s influence on performances is massive at Elland Road, and he has featured in 31 games in all competitions this season.

From a defensive standpoint, Ampadu has been excellent.

According to Sofascore, the 25-year-old has won 64.7 per cent of his ground duels and 67.1 per cent of his aerial duels in the Premier League this season.

With 69 interceptions and 39 tackles, he has been fantastic in his defensive third, but it’s even more impressive to see how calm he is on the ball.

Against Brentford, he completed 89 per cent of his attempted passes and made seven passes in the final third.

Winning eight out of 11 duels highlighted how versatile he is, and if it weren’t for his contributions on Saturday, the Whites could have easily lost their third successive home game.

He was one of the only Leeds players to turn up against Brentford, and it wouldn’t be a shock if he was bitterly disappointed with his teammates, who have been reliable for the majority of the season.

Leeds’ spine has become rock solid under Daniel Farke

Few people would have thought Leeds could grind out clean sheets at the start of the season, and although they need a lot more in attack, their core group of players have handled the pressure.

After chopping and changing earlier in the campaign, the back three of Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk have been impressive.

Not only have they provided stability at the back, but they have also been unstoppable from attacking corners and throw-ins.

Ampadu has been at the heart of everything good about Leeds, but with Farke constantly changing his midfield partner, it has hindered the team’s performances.

The Whites are now winless in five games, but if their fringe players can step up, then they should have enough to secure the two or three wins they need to secure Premier League survival.

Especially with Ampadu leading them in the relegation battle.