Ethan Ampadu wows on Leeds United debut v Monaco as fans verdict shared
Ethan Ampadu showed “guile and presence” on his Leeds United debut following his move from Chelsea, according to Leeds Live journalist William Jackson.
Amapu started and played just over 60 minutes in the club’s 2-0 pre-season friendly loss to Monaco on Saturday (22 July).
And according to Jackson, it was an impressive first Whites appearance for Ampadu as he pulled the strings at the LNER Community Stadium in York.
“Having signed for the club earlier in the week, becoming the first arrival of the 49ers Enterprises era, Ampadu was given the chance to make an immediate impression on the Leeds fans,” Jackson wrote for Leeds Live.
“He did that and more from his role in the centre of midfield as he pulled the strings and made the Whites tick during his time on the field.
“The Welshman showed for the ball regularly, showcasing guile and presence and more than looked the part. Leeds are short of options in the middle of the park but Ampadu showed he can more than thrive in that deep playmaker role and fans will be keen to see more of him before the season gets underway in two weeks’ time.”
Strong start
Given his experience in the Premier League with Chelsea and in other top European leagues like the Bundesliga and Serie A, Ampadu has arrived at Elland Road with plenty of expectations.
But if his Whites debut is anything to go by, then the youngster should have no problems settling into life in West Yorkshire.
The versatile Wales international looked settled and composed against a quality Monaco side, with that versatility set to be a huge asset for Whites manager Daniel Farke in the months to come.
The new Championship season is rapidly approaching, and Leeds really haven’t made many moves when it comes to new faces at Elland Road.
That has been made even worse by many of their Championship rivals having strengthened in various departments.
But if Farke can bring in players with the same quality as Ampadu, Whites supporters can be in for an exciting season back in the second division.
In other Leeds United news, Mateusz Klich and Pablo Hernandez have shared an instant reaction to the latest Whites transfer exit news.