Ethan Ampadu proves worth already at Leeds United
Ethan Ampadu has started his time at Elland Road in excellent form after making the £7 million switch to Leeds United earlier this summer [Evening Standard, 19 July].
The 22-year-old was the Whites and Daniel Farke’s first signing this summer, leaving Chelsea permanently after a string of loan spells away from Stamford Bridge and has been in inspired form since dropping to the Championship.
Ampadu has played in all five of United’s Championship matches so far this season and has managed to shine at the base of midfield alongside Archie Gray, earning a considerably impressive average rating of 7.49 for the season so far (Fotmob).
Speaking to the press association as transcribed by Leeds Live (7 September) Ampadu opened up about enjoying the challenge of being a Leeds player. He said: “You obviously feel the pressure in the club, but it’s more of an exciting pressure of knowing what you can achieve.
“When you know you are settled somewhere and you’re not on loan, there are little things you can improve on. If you are playing in one position, you can work on the finer little details within that position to take you to the next level.”
Thriving in one role
Ampadu’s move to Elland Road seems to have been the perfect switch for all parties as it has allowed Farke and Leeds to bolster their defensive midfield options while also offering the Welshman the chance to finally settle into one role.
Throughout his career so far nobody has ever been certain whether the 22-year-old is best when playing as a centre-back or in midfield, but so far at Elland Road, he seems to have found his best position just ahead of the backline.
But he has also been just as effective going forward as he has in defence, completing 86% of all his attempted passes in the opening five matches of the season and laying on six chances for his teammates (Fotmob), twice as many as Wilfried Gnonto.
Leeds were aiming to recruit players who were able to take their side back to the Premier League and despite results being indifferent early in the campaign, performances from the entire side have been at a level of a team that can compete for promotion.
Ampadu, like many others, seems to be thriving with that extra level of expectation placed on him since making the switch to Elland Road and is getting better and better with each performance. His last outing for Farke’s side against Sheffield Wednesday saw him rated Leeds’ best player and earn the Man of the Match award, (Fotmob).
In other Leeds United news, Wilfired Gnonto wanted to quit right up until the transfer deadline