‘Inventive’ Ethan Ampadu named as a ‘data-driven’ bargain for Leeds United
Leeds United midfielder Ethan Ampadu has been hailed as one of the best “data-driven bargains” of the summer transfer window by The Athletic.
Ampadu joined Leeds from Chelsea on a four-year deal on 19 July for a reported upfront fee of around £7million plus add-ons [BBC Sport].
The Wales international has settled in well at Elland Road, starting all seven matches under Daniel Farke in all competitions this season.
Ampadu was named in the online publication’s run-down [10 September] of the best under-the-radar transfers across Europe in the summer window.
Writer Thom Harris described Ampadu as being “a steady anchor” for Leeds with “moments of inventive progressive play”.
Major coup
Everyone knew at the time that Leeds had pulled off a coup in landing Ampadu, a player whose ages belies the amount of experience he has.
Despite being aged just 22, Ampadu has already made a combined 92 appearances in the Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A.
That is not to mention the 44 senior international caps he has to his name, including appearances at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup with Wales.
The versatile midfielder, who can also slot into central defence, has the ability to spot where the danger is going to arise before it even happens.
As pointed out in The Athletic piece, the next step to Ampadu’s game is to add the occasional goal, having never previously netted before.
But all that is to come. For now, Leeds can be happy that they have one of the most talented players outside of the top flight in their ranks.
In other Leeds United news, a Whites player matched the achievement of a legendary European trio while on international duty.