Ethan Ampadu shares ‘really excited’ verdict on Leeds United teen Charlie Crew after receiving int’l recognition
Ethan Ampadu is “really excited” about Leeds United midfielder Charlie Crew after he has been training with the Wales first team.
Speaking to reporters on 6 September ahead of his country’s clash against South Korea on 7 September (via LeedsLive), the 22-year-old said his compatriot “embraced” the opportunity to train with the senior squad after receiving a call-up for the U-21s side.
The Welsh midfielder added that he is “really excited” to see how the 17-year-old Crew develops and has tried to take some pressure off his Whites teammate following the hype around him.
“Of course, yesterday in the training session, you can always feel a bit of pressure when you go and train with the first team but I think he showed he embraced it and enjoyed it,” said Ampadu. “You don’t have to put any pressure on him, it’s just about him developing.
“I have been there and it’s all about the development stage and getting used to playing around within a first team whether that’s here or at Leeds. Obviously, I know him and just really excited to see him embrace it.”
Bodes well
It bodes well for Leeds to see that Crew has been given the opportunity to train with the Wales first team as he is clearly a player they have high hopes for in the future.
The teenager signed for the Whites from Cardiff City last summer for a reported six-figure fee and he has since signed a professional contract until 2025 at Elland Road.
The midfielder has great support behind him in Ampadu as his fellow midfielder knows exactly what it’s like to be thrown into the limelight at such a young age.
The Welshman is right to point out that Crew’s development is the most important thing at this moment in time and that he doesn’t need to have pressure piled onto him.
After 17-year-old Archie Gray has been handed an opportunity to impress in the first team this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Daniel Farke provide Crew with some minutes after he has featured heavily for the U-21s team.
In other Leeds United news, one player could still have 11 days to secure a move away from Elland Road.