Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Wed 15 April 2026 14:10, UK

Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu has continued to grow in importance throughout his time at Elland Road.

Making the move to Elland Road as the Whites were relegated to the Championship in 2023, the Welsh international has become a key figure under Daniel Farke – taking on the role of captain at the beginning of last year’s promotion-winning term.

Having previously played in the Premier League with Sheffield United, Ampadu had failed to make a real name for himself in the top flight.

The same can’t be said now, with the 25-year-old having a talismanic influence at the heart of Farke’s midfield after leaving Chelsea behind.

With survival now looking likely, the midfielder is the perfect man to continue leading the Elland Road outfit as they look to further stabilise in the top flight.

Ethan Ampadu continues to go about his business for Leeds

While they have made hard work of it in recent months, Farke’s side have been well-placed to go on and secure survival since their excellent run over the festive period, with the switch in formation profiling the current squad fantastically.

Summer signing Anton Stach has received his well-deserved credit, alongside fan favourite Ao Tanaka, when he has been given a chance in the middle. But skipper Ampadu has continued to be remarkably impressive as he goes about his business quietly.

Keeping things ticking in the midfield, the 25-year-old continues to remain unflappable.

In Leeds’ most recent win against Man United, Ampadu played an integral role as the Whites continued to maintain control of the encounter, with his innate feel for the game allowing him to speed up, and slow down tempo when needed – something that proved vital as Michael Carrick’s side pushed for a late equaliser.

While the skipper does not go unnoticed, he is a player who simply goes about his business, while those around him often receive the credit for their impact further forward, as seen with Stach and his immense debut term.

Comfortable in and out of possession, the Welshman has become a real unsung hero in the middle of the park – someone who is so crucial to Farke’s side as they strive for survival.

Ethan Ampadu to continue leading Leeds Premier League charge

After taking to the Premier League seamlessly following their 2020 promotion, Leeds were sent back down to the Championship in 2023, after the Elland Road outfit failed to build on the progress made under Marcelo Bielsa.

The Whites are undoubtedly a top-flight club in terms of size and stature, but the task now is to continue building on the current campaign, with survival now looking likely, while Farke’s side have also embarked on a fantastic FA Cup run.

With further progress in mind, Ampadu should absolutely be given the chance to continue leading the side on the pitch.

As a player, the Welshman is never going to be the man who grabs all of the headlines for Leeds.

But he is a midfielder who leads by example, and someone who continues to become more and more important each week, after finally getting his regular shot in the Premier League.

With an innate feel for the tempo of a match, brilliant controlling abilities, and the defensive experience, Ampadu is the perfect man to continue at the heart of Farke’s midfield, and someone who the Whites should look to continue building around as they aim to further stabilise in the top flight.