Leeds United are preparing for a huge season in the Championship, with Daniel Farke making one key decision over the role of Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu, 23, joined The Whites last summer, for a fee reported to cost in the range of £7million, from Chelsea.
The Welsh international impressed in his first season at Elland Road, making 54 appearances for the club across all competitions.
Throughout the campaign, the versatile star showed his quality by playing in midfield and then centre-back when required.
While his first season at Leeds ended in the disappointment of a play-off final heartbreak, there’s plenty of hope that with his form, the Yorkshire outfit can grace the Premier League again soon.
Should Leeds land a place back in the top flight, they will rely on the performances of Ampadu, who has been handed a new role at the club.
Ethan Ampadu named new Leeds United captain
Ahead of the new season, Leeds United have announced a brand new leadership group that has formed within the squad.
With Liam Cooper leaving the club after ten years, the armband was up for grabs, with Ampadu named as the new Leeds captain.
The former Chelsea star is joined by Pascal Struijk and Illan Meslier as fellow leaders named within the current team.
In a statement on the official Leeds website, manager Farke said: “Ethan, Pascal and Illan have all played such a big role in the team since I arrived last summer.
“I believe with all three players we have a really strong leadership group, who are respected by everybody.
“Both Ethan and Pascal proved last season they can handle the responsibility of leading the team and I look forward to them continuing to do so in the upcoming campaign.”
As for Ampadu, despite only being at the club for the past year, he has revealed his honour to be named as club captain.
“It’s an honour to be made captain of this amazing football club,” the newly appointed leader said. “I know how much responsibility this role carries.
“Last season it was a privilege to lead the side out on so many occasions and I’m delighted to have now been given this opportunity.
“I will give my all for the badge and I hope to lead by example both on and off the pitch, following in the footsteps of so many great captains in the past.”
Leeds captaincy options assessed
So with Leeds now revealing the leadership group that will be taking the club forward, it reveals the interesting transition that has been made over the past year.
Cooper, who had been a stalwart, rarely featured under Farke, which meant that his leadership was seldom felt on the pitch.
Luke Ayling’s exit and Patrick Bamford’s injury concerns meant that at times, the senior players with experience were not involved.
In Ampadu, Struijk and Meslier, Leeds have three young options with plenty of experience under their belt for their age.
The trio have all led in one way or another and with the new roles, they can take that next step to be responsible for performances and dressing room atmosphere.
It remains to be seen how they perform in these roles, but it’s a huge decision that should reshape the future of the side.
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