Ethan Ampadu is shining for Leeds United since completing an initial £7m move from Chelsea to Elland Road – and Frank Lampard’s expectancy of the Wales star, as per Chris Wilder, is now ringing true.
Ampadu, 22, has played every single minute of the campaign so far – all seven games in league and cup. The Wales ace is on international duty with his country, who host South Korea and then travel to Latvia.
Coming through at Chelsea before going out on loan four times – RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia – Ampadu has played in a number of different positions. Centre-back, full-back, midfield.
Part of a two-man central defence, in a back three or even as a wing back – Ampadu is versatile. But while on loan at Sheffield United, then-manager Wilder said that Lampard saw him as a midfielder.
As per the Chelsea Chronicle in 2020, Wilder said – after a 2-1 loss to Liverpool: “Ethan’s performance was outstanding. I know the manager [Lampard] at Chelsea sees him as a sitting midfield player.”
Ampadu shining for Leeds: Lampard expectancy now ringing true
It is interesting that Ampadu has played in so many positions over the years but that back in 2020, the ex-Chelsea, Everton and Derby boss knew where he would end up. He is certainly shining in that role.
Ampadu is going to be the lynchpin of anything good Leeds do this season. Farke seems him as a key cog in the Leeds side and he is already shown how important he is, in the first few games of the year.
Keeping him fit – and perhaps, lessening his work load here and there is important. The additions of Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara will help Farke give Ampadu a rest. But the Wales man is fundamental for Leeds.
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