Leeds United boost as Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon benefit from EFL rule ahead of Millwall game
Leeds United pair Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon can breathe a little easier in the upcoming clash with Millwall thanks to an EFL rule.
Ampadu has collected eight yellow cards this season and Wales international colleague Rodon has seven to his name.
Had the pair reached 10 yellow cards, they would have served an automatic ban at a crucial point in the season for automatic promotion-chasing Leeds.
Leeds United yellow cards
However, that threshold passed following the conclusion of the 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday last Friday (8 March).
As per FBref, Ampadu and Rodon have averaged 0.22 yellow cards per 90 minutes this season – the highest tally of any Leeds players.
For context, that is some way down on Ben Woodburn – another Welshman – among those to have played more than seven times this season.
Preston forward Woodburn has averaged 1.76 yellow cards per 90, which is the highest average in the Championship.
Thanks to this rule, Ampadu and Rodon do not need to hold back against fierce rivals Millwall at Elland Road on Sunday (17 March).
Ethan Ampadu a key player for Leeds United
A red card would still incur a suspension, of course, but reaching double figures for yellow cards will no longer do so.
Ampadu’s game is based around breaking up play, as reflected in the team-high 1.4 interceptions he registers per game [WhoScored].
The versatile defender will naturally pick up more bookings given he is tasked with getting stuck in, further highlighted by his 1.1 fouls per game.
Rodon leads the way in terms of clearances (4.6 per game), meanwhile, showing just how good he is at reading the danger.
Daniel Farke will not want to be without either of those players between now and the end of the season, and thankfully there is now less chance of that being the case.
In other Leeds United news, a young player has been ruled out “for a number of months” after sustaining a back injury.
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