Leeds United have a clear contender for Player of the Season, and it’s not Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s impact has been well documented at Leeds this season, but that of one of his teammates has gone massively under the radar.
Leeds United’s 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest was a huge result for two reasons.
Not only does it see the Whites move nine points clear of the relegation zone, but it also sees Leeds maintain their 100 per cent record of night games at Elland Road, with at least two more still to come this season.
Jayden Bogle opened the scoring after a superb ball from Ilia Gruev, with goals from Noah Okafor and Calvert-Lewin making sure of the victory.
However, one player who failed to get on the scoresheet deserves just as much attention, not just for his performance against Forest, but for his form this season.
Leeds United have one particular unsung hero
There are many players who certainly fit the unsung hero label this season, with the likes of Pascal Struijk, Bogle and Ethan Ampadu having all been consistent since the start of the campaign.
However, it is the latter who has certainly gone under the radar the most, and it’s a familiar scenario given the role that he plays in the team.
Ampadu isn’t the type of player to get you off your seat, but he is the glue to a Leeds side that is on course to achieve safety well before the end of the campaign.
As demonstrated via Sofascore, his defensive numbers are excellent, and his ability to keep control of the ball under pressure in midfield is almost always the catalyst for their transitions from defence to attack.
Without the Wales international in the heart of midfield, Leeds would lack the control that they often have in games.
While there are still plenty of games to be played, Ampadu is certainly one of those leading the way for the Player of the Season award come the end of May.
Ethan Ampadu’s season could come at a cost for Leeds
As of right now, Leeds supporters are enjoying their time watching the Wales international dominate Premier League games in the middle, but it may not be too long until fears start to creep in.
That is because Ampadu will have just one year left on his deal at Elland Road at the end of the season, with it due to expire in the summer of 2027.
Given the importance he holds at Leeds and has held for several years, they will have no intention to let him leave at any point in the next few years, but that will not prevent the fears.
If contract talks fail to be concluded by the summer, it would be the Whites’ last chance to get a significant fee for his exit, but again, plans will almost certainly be in place to ensure that scenario never has to be a consideration.