Ethan Ampadu hailed live on BBC despite Wales absence for Leeds United star
Wales sorely missed the influence of “Magnificent” Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu against Turkey, Nathan Blake has said.
Speaking on commentary for BBC Radio Wales (16 November, 5:45pm), Blake and Helen Ward agreed that the Dragons’ 0-0 draw in the UEFA Nations League was crying out for a player like Ampadu.
The United skipper’s knee injury will rule him out until January at the earliest, with Ward arguing that Wales should also make Ampadu their next permanent captain.
“I think we’re missing Ampadu tonight,” Ward said. “I think this is the game which you’d want him more than anyone, the way he plays.”
Blake replied: “He’s so well-organised, and in that central midfield position, or centre-back position, he’s magnificent in there.”
Ethan Ampadu return to transform both Leeds United and Wales
Any side featuring a player as consistent, vocal and influential as Ampadu would undoubtedly miss him for any extended period, but both club and country will be keen for his return as soon as possible.
Suffering his knee injury in a routine 3-0 win over Coventry at Elland Road, Ampadu’s absence leaves Leeds light in both central midfield and defence, after he excelled in both positions last season.
While Daniel Farke has been able to truly unleash the impressive Ao Tanaka at the base of his midfield line, Wales lack a player with the same presence as Ampadu both in terms of ability and leadership.
Ampadu’s return date is yet to be set in stone, but Wales will take some comfort in the fact that he’s more than likely to be fully fit by the time of the next international break in March 2025.
Farke will also be glad to have his captain – appointed in the summer after becoming de facto skipper last season – back in action, with Ampadu himself hoping to lift the Championship title come what may.
In other Leeds news, one youngster’s form out on loan creates an easy decision to make in January.
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