Henry Winter raves about ‘class’ Ethan Ampadu, ‘immense’ Glen Kamara and ‘superb’ Joe Rodon for Leeds United at Leicester
A host of Leeds United stars drew rave reviews for their performances in the 1-0 win over league leaders Leicester City from Henry Winter.
The Times journalist took to Twitter in the early hours of 4 November to laud six of the Whites side after the victory away to the Foxes, including “immense” midfielder Glen Kamara and his “class” central partner Ethan Ampadu.
Both were outstanding at the King Power Stadium, as was “superb” on-loan Tottenham defender Joe Rodon and goalscorer Georginio Rutter who has been “transformed” from the unfortunate figure of last season, with teenage fan-favourite Archie Gray and goalkeeper Illan Meslier also singled out.
Winter wrote: “Just back from the King Power. Beautifully organised and observed Remembrance. On-field, Leicester City below par. Leeds United full of belief.
“Archie Gray, composed and bold, a real prospect. Only 17. Ampadu class. Kamara immense. Rodon superb. Rutter transformed. Meslier wonder-save.”
Huge
The Whites side wasn’t perfect on the night but so many of Daniel Farke’s players put in excellent performances that they were worthy winners at a Leicester side who had only dropped points once all season previously.
Meslier’s 95th minute save from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was vital to preserve the narrow lead and he came up big with his only real contribution to the game.
Gray was the only change made to the XI from the 4-1 win over Huddersfield last weekend at the expense of Jamie Shackleton and had a big challenge on his hands at right-back up against Stephy Mavadidi but held his own as he continued to bely his relative inexperience.
While the likes of Ampadu, Rodon and especially Rutter have established themselves as key men for Leeds United this season it was Kamara who was the star on Friday night.
After a £5million move from Rangers late in the transfer window [The Athletic, 31 August] it took some time for him to get past Gray in central midfield.
But with the youngster currently preferred in the back line the Finnish international looks to have cemented his place alongside Ampadu as his showing against the table-toppers was crucial.
There were a couple of causes for concern in that Joel Piroe was again below par and Sam Byram was put under a lot of pressure on the left, but on the whole Farke got exactly the performance he would have wanted from his increasingly impressive side.
In other Leeds United news, one Whites man has “knuckled down massively” after questions about his attitude according to Phil Hay.