Ethan Ampadu says it is ‘great to see’ Leeds United 18-year-old impressing, thinks he’s got huge potential

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Ethan Ampadu has not been in action since the end of September but he remains hard at work to get fit again and help Leeds United ahead of a busy Christmas period.

The Wales star and Leeds skipper has been injured since the 3-0 win over Coventry, picking up a lengthy knee injury that has seen him miss the last eight league games. But there could be some good news soon.

Indeed, Daniel Farke initially said he would be out injured until the new year. But more recently, Farke has said Ampadu is ahead of schedule and could return sooner. Even Ampadu is confident over his injury.

When Ampadu got injured, there were four Leeds players vying to start in midfield. Ampadu, alongside Ilia Gruev, Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka. Ampadu was full of praise for both Rothwell and Tanaka this week.

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Ethan Ampadu excited by Leeds United teenager’s huge potential

But when he returns, he will find there are six central midfielders hoping to start. Josuha Guilavogui has been signed, while Charlie Crew has made his debut and the 18-year-old earned praise from his captain.

“It’s great to see, we know how good Charlie is as a player. Obviously, he’s at the start of his professional journey,” Ampadu said when asked about teenage ace Crew, during an interview with BBC Radio Leeds.

“So whatever advice I can give him, whatever he asks of me I try to help him along the way because we all know his potential and we want him to reach that,” Ampadu continued, about his Wales teammate.

Charlie Crew might have to go out on loan at some point

The fleet-footed midfielder will continue to find himself fifth or sixth-choice midfielder at Leeds, vying for one of two spots in the side. But with Rothwell, Tanaka, Ampadu and Gruev, Leeds are well-stocked.

Crew has only been afforded one senior outing by Farke and if he is struggling to get game time while Leeds are in the Championship, the chances of a breakthrough will only reduce if Leeds get promoted.

It appears then, that if Crew is to maximise his potential and solidify his place in the Wales team, he needs to go out on loan perhaps in January or next summer. Many Championship clubs will surely have him.