‘He was really, really good’: BBC pundit says he’s not seen 22-year-old play better for Leeds

Add as preferred source on Google

Jon Newsome lauded Ethan Ampadu after the midfielder’s performance in the middle of the park as Leeds United secured their first win of the campaign at the weekend.

Newsome was speaking on BBC Radio Leeds after Daniel Farke’s men edged a seven-goal thriller against Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

Of course, one of the major highlights for Leeds was the entire starting front four getting on the scoresheet, with Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter opening their respective accounts for the club.

But it seems that Ethan Ampadu had a fantastic day at the office too. The Welshman has proved to be such a smart signing for the Whites so far, stepping into the midfield and quickly establishing himself as a hugely important member of the side.

Obviously, Leeds’ defensive record is a concern with the club yet to keep a clean sheet this season. But Newsome has clearly been hugely impressed by what he has seen from Ampadu since his arrival earlier in the summer.

Newsome lauds Ampadu after Leeds’ first win this season

“Breaks play up, broke play up well today, used possession well. I thought it was the best performance I’ve seen [from him],” he told BBC Radio Leeds.

“I thought Archie Gray was great alongside him as well. But I thought Ampadu definitely led from the front, went and picked up second balls, got in and around, put the press on. So yeah, I thought he was really, really good. Really good.”

The signing of Joel Piroe looks to have the potential to be a game-changer for the Whites. Leeds were absolutely screaming out for a striker. And the owners have gone out and signed one of the most proven at this level around right now.

But his arrival should not mean that Ampadu’s impact can go under the radar. Leeds’ midfield has been torn apart this summer, with Tyler Adams, Marc Roca, Adam Forshaw and Weston McKennie all departing.

And yet, Ampadu is looking like the kind of player who would have outshone almost all of those last season – admittedly, we are now at a lower level.

Leeds paid an initial £7 million to sign him from Chelsea. The early signs suggest that that is going to prove to be an absolute steal.