23-year-old had his worst game for Leeds on Tuesday night; Farke needs to make a change this weekend – opinion

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After what has been an outstanding start to his Leeds United career, Ethan Ampadu appears to have gone off the boil somewhat in the last few games.

For much of the campaign, Leeds fans were heralding the decision to replace Tyler Adams with the Wales international over the summer transfer window.

Ethan Ampadu has been a brilliant signing for Daniel Farke’s side. He quickly became crucial to the system Farke wants the team to play, much like Adams and Kalvin Phillips before him.

Ethan Ampadu has his toughest night in a Leeds shirt

However, after Leeds’ 1-0 loss to Sunderland on Tuesday night, Farke perhaps needs to face up to the fact that the 23-year-old appears to be in desperate need of a rest.

Leeds were extremely poor at the Stadium of Light. Djed Spence and Willy Gnonto were arguably the only two bright sparks for the visitors. And Illan Meslier made a magnificent save in the first-half.

But the rest of the squad were not good enough to break down a very impressive Sunderland side. And Ampadu’s performance should perhaps be the biggest concern.

It was arguably Ampadu’s worst game for Leeds. Leeds were comfortable when knocking the ball around the backline. But as soon as they attempted anything with any ambition, they tended to lose all composure. And Ampadu was arguably one of the biggest culprits, producing a couple of baffling passes forward which came to nothing.

He also picked up a fifth yellow card of the campaign, having to bring down Alex Pritchard as Sunderland threatened to create another opportunity.

Daniel Farke may need to rest midfielder ahead of crucial Ipswich clash

Ampadu has not missed a minute in the Championship this season. And it did appear to become evident, with neither the former Chelsea starlet or Glen Kamara looking capable of producing a moment of quality Leeds needed.

We know that Ampadu and Kamara can be one of the best midfield partnerships in the Championship. So there is absolutely no reason to drop either player for a long period ahead of this Saturday’s game against Coventry City.

But with Ipswich Town on the horizon before Christmas, Leeds need Ampadu to be at his best. We are third in December with 10 wins in our last 14 games, and yet, our automatic-promotion hopes already appear to be fading. That is how good the top two have been.

There is a break after we face Coventry. So Farke may be tempted to keep Ampadu in the side. Facing the Sky Blues will not be easy either.

But after Tuesday night, Ampadu can arguably have few complaints if he is given a rest. It may, in fact, be exactly what the youngster needs.