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Welsh media wowed by 'pivotal' Leeds United trio v Croatia last night
Leeds United trio Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Dan James all featured in Wales’ 2-1 win over Croatia on Sunday 15 October.
Rodon and Ampadu started and played the whole 90 minutes as Rob Page’s side kept their hopes of Euro 2024 qualification alive with a big win, while James entered the action in the 57th minute and picked up an assist.
Two goals from Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson early in the second half were enough to ensure that Wales would pick up all three points at the Cardiff City Stadium and all three members of Daniel Farke’s squad earned plenty of praise for their performances.
Welsh media were quick to praise James’ impact from the bench, with Wales Online (15 October) giving the 25-year-old an 8/10 rating after the winger put in a “superb cross” for Wilson’s second goal only minutes after coming on, while his pace gave Page’s side “another dimension” in attack.
Rodon went about his business well in defence as most Leeds United fans have begun to expect, earning another 8/10 rating as the Tottenham loanee was “solid at the back all night.” When called into action Rodon made a couple of good interventions and “dug in” in the difficult moments.
To top off the good night for Farke’s men, Ampadu also earned an 8/10 mark with Wales Online believing the former Chelsea man was “pivotal” to Wales’ good work in transition, as Ampadu completed the most tackles of any player on the pitch.
Good night all around
Leeds United have a number of very good players in their ranks this season, especially for a Championship side and you don’t need much further evidence of that than how well they have fared against what is a very good Croatian side that has been successful in recent tournaments.
Amapdu’s excellent performance in midfield came against the likes of Luka Modric and Marcelo Brozovic and while he has been excellent since making the switch to Elland Road, Sunday night showed that he is just as capable of performing at the top level.
Rodon would have likely been disappointed not to have kept a clean sheet but the Spurs loanee was still excellent in defence to demonstrate that Leeds and Farke have pulled off a masterstroke securing his services for the remainder of this season.
Once again James has come off the bench to have an instant impact and the Welshman can’t stop chipping in with goals and assists for club and country at the moment. If he can maintain this early season form for the remainder of the campaign he’ll be pivotal to both Leeds’ and Wales’ future success.
On top of that, all three players look like they have got through the international break without injury, which is a huge boost for Farke
In other Leeds United news, one journalist has shared what sources close to Kalvin Phillips say about a potential Elland Road return