Welsh media react to ‘assured’ Leeds United trio in Euro 2024 qualifying draw with Turkey
Leeds United trio Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Dan James all featured in some part for Wales in their draw with Turkey on Tuesday 21 November.
Both Rodon and Ampadu started and played the full 90 minutes of Wales’ final Euro 2024 qualifier, with the 1-1 draw and results elsewhere ensuring that Rob Page’s side will have to wait for the playoffs to qualify for next summer’s tournament.
Neco Williams’ early goal looked to have given Wales all three points, only for it to be cancelled out by Yusuf Yazici’s second-half penalty. Despite the result, the Welsh press have been quick to praise the performance of the Leeds trio on Tuesday night.
Rodon’s display earned him a 7/10 from Wales Online who were impressed by the Tottenham loanee’s overall performance as he made “several good defensive contributions” to often thwart the away side when they advanced with the ball.
Amapdu received the same mark, with the midfielder putting in a “reasonably assured” performance at the heart of Page’s team. But Wales Online were quick to criticise the 23-year-old for not putting the game to bed as he couldn’t divert his 60th-minute header past the keeper.
The lowest rating of the night was afforded to James, with Wales Online awarding the winger a 5/10 after his introduction in the 80th minute simply describing the Whites star’s display as a “quiet outing”.
Not at their best
Leeds United supporters have come to expect reasonable performances from their Welsh trio who have impressed almost every time they step on the Elland Road turf and although Wales’ result was disappointing on Tuesday, they got similar impressive displays from their Leeds trio.
Rodon and Ampadu were commanding as ever in their respective positions, as has often been the case in Daniel Farke’s side and it seems harsh to be too critical of James considering he was only on the field for the final 10 minutes of the clash.
In that time he only had six touches of the ball and still managed to create a single chance with one of his three completed passes. Given his exceptional form in the Championship, it’s a surprise that he hasn’t started for his national side more regularly.
The most important thing for Leeds supporters is that all three players look to have come through the break fit and without injury. With a busy schedule between now and the new year, Farke is going to need all three players at their best, starting with Friday (24 November) night’s clash with Rotherham.
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