Jon Newsome shares what he noticed ‘excellent’ Ethan Ampadu do when Leeds were under pressure at Derby

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Ethan Ampadu has been an enormous boost for Leeds United in the last few weeks with the skipper fit again after three months on the sidelines, helping Leeds beat Derby on Sunday night.

Ampadu has recovered from a long-term knee injury he picked up in the 3-0 win over Coventry back in September, starting at centre-back against Oxford United before retaining his place against Stoke City.

But he returned to midfield against Stoke, Ao Tanaka dropping to the bench. A 2-0 win, before Ampadu was named in the starting XI against on Sunday as Leeds faced Derby for the second time this month.

Leeds had a poor away record going into the last two games. Just three wins from 10, going into two games away from Elland Road but Leeds have come out from it with two wins, and two clean sheets.

• READ MORE: Leeds player ratings as Whites edge past Derby on Sunday night

Jon Newsome underlines Ethan Ampadu importance for Leeds

There is no coincidence that Ampadu’s defensive nous has improved Leeds, especially in games away from home. Joe Rothwell has admitted himself that without Ampadu, Leeds lack defensive know how.

Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds after the win over Derby, former Leeds defender Newsome shared how he noticed Ampadu just drop a few yards when Derby were piling on the pressure at times during the game.

“He just adds that bit of steel, that little bit of nous. When it gets on top, he just drops two or three yards. Puts a bit of a shield on the defenders and that helps you out, he’s been excellent. Really, really good.”

Ethan Ampadu’s stats for Leeds in win over Derby County

Ampadu seemed to be right in the thick of it in the first half. He got right into a battle with Derby’s Ebou Adams and Marcus Harness, before finally earning himself a yellow card in the second half for Leeds.

Ethan Ampadu’s stats for Leeds in win over Derby:

• 90 mins played, 7.9 FotMob rating (second-best)
• 75 touches, 39/56 passes, 20 passes into final third
• Six defensive actions, six recoveries
• 18 duels entered, 13 duels won (best on pitch)

While Ampadu’s ability to retain possession and his technical ability is solid, it is the Welshman’s rock-solid approach that makes him crucial for Leeds especially when on the road, and teams apply pressure.