Welsh press reacts to Ethan Ampadu display as Leeds United midfielder plays v South Korea
Leeds United midfielder Ethan Ampadu was widely hailed by the Welsh press for his display in the stalemate between Wales and South Korea in Cardiff.
Ampadu only played the opening 45 minutes of a rather drab affair on Thursday [7 September], with manager Rob Page confirming the half-time substitution was to keep him fit for the upcoming qualifier with Latvia.
The 22-year-old was his usual self in defensive midfield and, while only playing half of the friendly with South Korea, he more than caught the eye in helping his country to a rare clean sheet.
Wales Online gave Ampadu a 7/10 in their player ratings article [7 September] for a performance described as “outstanding”, as the former Chelsea player “mopped up brilliantly and broke up play at key times” in a “really pleasing outing”.
Writing for the online outlet’s live blog [7 September], Tom Coleman also praised Ampadu for the way he dealt with a South Korea ball into the box.
“Ampadu does well to put [a] cross behind for a corner, with Cho [Gue-sung] lurking behind him,” Coleman said.
However, Nathan Blake perhaps summed up the performance best of all for BBC Wales [7 September] when saying: “Ethan Ampadu as usual has been very solid.”
Consistent
As Leeds fans are finding out, you know exactly what you are going to get when it comes to Ethan Ampadu.
In the eyes of many who have watched him regularly from an early age, it is a surprise he is now plying his trade outside of a major league.
Not that Leeds will be complaining, though, as they have a real gem on their hands who is only going to get better.
Ampadu, in the words of former striker Blake, is “very solid” pretty much in every game he plays, whether it be for club or country.
Also capable of slotting into the backline, Leeds boss Daniel Farke may look to take full advantage of the Welshman’s versatility as the campaign goes on.
For now, though, the German will just hope that one of his key players returns to Thorp Arch next week full of confidence and injury free.
In other Leeds United news, Ampadu’s teammate Joe Rodon was not quite as solid in Wales’ draw with South Korea.