‘Huge’… Dom Matteo says two players simply have to stay fit for Leeds United to get promoted

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Dom Matteo has picked out two players he feels will be crucial to the business end of Leeds United’s promotion push.

Leeds currently sit third in the Championship table despite having accumulated an incredible 31 points from a possible 33 available in 2024, with the standard at the top just so high.

Much of Leeds’ recent run of form can be attributed to their incredible defensive record. The Whites have conceded just three goals in 11 matches, none of which have come from open play.

In the absence of Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu have played together at centre-back in 10 of those games, clearly forming a fantastic understanding with one another.

Speaking to LUTV ahead of tomorrow night’s trip to Sheffield Wednesday, Matteo believes both Rodon and Ampadu are at the ‘top of their games’ right now and it is paramount they both stay fit in the final 10 matches.

Matteo hails Rodon and Ampadu partnership

He said: “Overall defensively, with Ampadu and Rodon, they are forming a lovely partnership together. They compliment each other with the way they both play, making forward passes into the right areas, long or short.

“They seem to be playing with lots of confidence, two guys who for me right now are at the top of their games. They’ll be a huge plus for us and we need to just keep them fit for the last 10 games.”

Ampadu joked the other day that Rodon hates it when he plays centre-back next to him but that is certainly not reflected in their performances on the pitch as they have both been so good.

Daniel Farke was full of praise for their performances in the 1-0 win over Stoke City on Tuesday, in which Leeds were forced to soak up a solid amount of pressure in the second half.

Struijk should certainly come back in when he does eventually return from injury, with Ampadu moving into midfield, but what a partnership it has been.