Daniel Farke has become overreliant on Leeds United star Ethan Ampadu, it’s time for change
Ethan Ampadu has been one of the biggest sensations for Leeds United this season, signing from Chelsea on a permanent deal in the summer.
Despite naturally deputising in midfield, the Welshman is also capable of playing in defence as a centre-back and has done so alongside his international companion, Joe Rodon, in recent weeks.
Although he does a fine job in the position, with the Whites claiming victory in the last four games he has been at centre-back, it feels like Daniel Farke’s side missed his presence in the middle of the park.
With the 23-year-old in defence, Ilia Gruev has been given the opportunity to start a string of matches for the first time since arriving from Werder Bremen in the summer of 2023.
There is nothing against the Hungarian midfielder. He has proven to be an asset at Elland Road so far. However, there is clearly something missing without the partnership of Ampadu and Glen Kamara.
It has been unavoidable in some games this season. With Pascal Struijk and Liam Cooper unavailable, and Charlie Cresswell not up to Farke’s standards until now, the German has been left with no choice but to utilise Ampadu’s ability to play centre-back.
Time for change in the Leeds United XI
Now, however, with both Cresswell and Cooper on the bench against Bristol City, it is about time Farke moves the Welshman back to his preferred position.
Proving just how important he is to the squad, Ampadu has not missed a single minute of football in the Championship this season, starting all 30 of Leeds’ league matches and completing the full 90 minutes.
He has been in midfield for 26 of these matches, maintaining an 88 per cent pass completion rate, winning 64 per cent of his tackles, and making 55 clearances and 45 interceptions, all while creating 29 chances in the attacking end of the pitch. [FotMob]
Although he is more than capable of staying in defence, his presence is very much missed in midfield and Leeds lose that connection between defence and attack, where Ampadu thrives.
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