Ethan Ampadu’s successor is already at Leeds United, and no one has realised it yet
Leeds United’s next breakthrough star is shining for the Under-21’s.
Most of the talk this season has been centred around Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and based on his form, that is certainly warranted.
The Englishman has 10 league goals already for the Whites, having signed on a free from Everton in the summer.
However, very little has been made of the performances of Ethan Ampadu, who has comfortably been one of Leeds’ best players this season.
But with the 25-year-old set to have just one year left on his contract at Elland Road at the end of the season, some fears have started to creep in over his future.
And if an exit were to happen at any point between now and then, it could open a door for one of the Whites’ brightest prospects to make his mark.
Read more: Leeds United make ‘significant’ move as transfer interest grows in Ethan Ampadu
Who is Leeds United’s next breakthrough star?
Archie Gray was the man of the moment when he emerged from Thorp Arch, and he has gone on to showcase his true potential at Tottenham.
Other Leeds’ prospects who have gone on to have successful careers include the likes of Kalvin Phillips, James Milner and Fabian Delph.
The next youngster who could follow a similar trajectory is Alfie Cresswell, who has had another excellent season for Leeds’ Under-21’s, and has drawn a lot of similarities to Ampadu.
Not only is the teenager incredibly versatile, but the way he goes about his game at such a young age showcases how much potential he has, and it’s a replica of the Welshman.
Cresswell has completed 88.6 per cent of his attempted passes this season, including 57.5 per cent of his attempted long balls.
But his strengths are in the defensive side of his game, with 1.86 tackles and 1.14 interceptions per 90, which are very similar to Ampadu’s 2.25 and 1.45, respectively.
It might be too soon for him to make the step up to first-team level this season, but it may also not be long until Daniel Farke opts to include him.
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What is Alfie Cresswell’s contract situation?
Fortunately for Leeds, Cresswell still has over two years left on his current contract, easing any fears that he could be snatched up.
But while that plays into Leeds’ hands, it’s highly unlikely that the deal will be extended unless Cresswell is given a shot under Farke.
After Leeds’ FA Cup victory over Birmingham, the 18-year-old will be watching the draw eagerly, knowing that he could be handed a first-team debut if they get a lower-league opposition.
Farke opted against including youth in his squad for the clash at St Andrew’s, but with the likes of Mansfield still in the competition, that could change next time around.
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