Leeds United players played in the Wales game against Finland
Leeds United players played in the Wales game against Finland

Leeds United: Ethan Ampadu gushes over 'snake hips' Glen Kamara ahead of Euro 2024 showdown

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Ethan Ampadu has been full of praise for his Leeds United teammate Glen Kamara ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifier showdown between Wales and Finland on Thursday (21 March).

Having started the season in midfield alongside Kamara, the 23-year-old has become an integral part of Daniel Farke's squad at Elland Road, having played every minute of the Championship for Leeds so far.

However, the two teammates, alongside Joe Rodon, Connor Roberts and Dan James are set to face each other in a crucial international game for the fourth time since September 2020.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post on Tuesday (19 March), Ampadu said: "We know here that Glen is an amazing player and we know it's gonna be a difficult game.

"I remember playing against Glen in those games against Finland. We call him snake hips. He can disguise his body very well for what he wants to do with the ball. I mean, we're all going to be prepared for the whole team.

"So yeah, Glen will be an important part of the team but we're going to be fully prepared for each and every one of them. I just don't want to say too much, I don't want to jinx it.

"There's been a bit of banter between the team, obviously, there's four Welsh lads and then Glen. I don't want to jinx it because I know if it doesn't go our way then a lot of lads will get onto us. Let's just hope we can get through it."

Daniel Farke sweating over the fitness of his Leeds United stars

Of course, with any club manager, Farke will be watching carefully as, potentially, five of his stars face each other in a crunch match during the international window.

Each of them has played an important role in the campaign so far, even despite Connor Roberts only arriving at Elland Road during the January transfer window, scoring a vital goal against Leicester City.

However, the other four will be the German's main focus, with Rodon and Ampadu building a formidable centre-back partnership, Kamara flying under the radar with his performances in midfield, and James currently in the best form of his career.

Injury news surrounding Georginio Rutter has already emerged as a huge blow for Leeds, having to undergo minor surgery on an ongoing hernia problem after pulling out of the France U21s squad.

Leeds United Daniel Farke
Daniel Farke will be sweating over the fitness of his Leeds United players during the international window

In addition to this, Farke could be without Junior Firpo for the Championship clash against Watford on Friday 29 March, competing against Aruba and Peru in friendlies, with the latter being played two days before Leeds' game.

Farke may choose to close his eyes, or even switch the channel once Wales kick-off against Finland on Thursday 21 March, with the victor going on to face either Poland or Estonia for a place at Euro 2024.

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