Ethan Ampadu has been quoted by Leeds Live as saying there is potential of a future partnership with Archie Gray in the middle of the park at Leeds United – after the two combined during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Monaco in York.
Ampadu, 22, impressed for Leeds against the Ligue 1 side as a holding midfielder – as Leeds held out for the first 45 minutes and actually played some nice stuff. Daniel Farke’s imprint looked clearer, ahead of our opener on August 6.
He started alongside Gray, meaning our midfield duo had a combined age of less than 40 – quite remarkable. But Ampadu’s defensive nous allowed Gray to play with a bit of freedom – exposing his raw tenacity. They looked good.
Speaking after the match in quotes published on Wednesday by Leeds Live, Ampadu was full of praise for Gray and even touted the possibility of forming a partnership with the England U17 ace. He said Gray is a “very good” player.
“Archie’s a very good player. He showed that, he showed that himself. Obviously it’s our first time playing together. We’ve trained together a couple of times. As you play with people more and more, you get to build partnerships.”
Ethan Ampadu on potential of future Leeds partnership with Archie Gray
Of course, if Tyler Adams remains at Leeds then it will be interesting to see how Farke incorporates both. But you would suspect that Ampadu has come in as a possible early replacement for the USA skipper. We will have to see.
But if Ampadu starts, then his laid-back defensive style, which sees him keep things simple but also offer a screen in front of the back four – allows Gray to express himself. To get the best out of himself. License to get forward.
It would take some bravery from Farke to throw 17-year-old Gray into the starting line-up against Cardiff on August 6 but at this stage, it is quite possible he does. Especially, after starting against Monaco. Darko Gyabi could start.
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