Leeds United midfielder Ethan Ampadu says it would be an ‘honour’ if he was handed the Wales captaincy.
Ampadu was speaking in an interview with BBC Sport while away on international duty for the first time this season, as Wales prepare for a crucial EURO 2024 qualifier against Latvia on Monday.
The 22-year-old was quizzed on his prospects of one day taking the captain’s armband for his country, which is currently worn by Aaron Ramsey, who is now 32.
Ampadu has captained Wales briefly on a couple of occasions but admitted it is something he would love to do on a full-time basis in the future.
He said: “It would be an honour if I was ever given that responsibility. I have worn the armband when Ramsey has come off a couple of times and I take immense pride in wearing it. For now I’ve got to do my job on the pitch and whatever can happen in the future, can happen in the future.”
Ampadu should Leeds captain in Cooper absence
The fact at 22-years-old he is already been asked on the potential of captaining his country says all you need to know about how he conducts himself on the pitch.
Ampadu is already among the biggest leaders in Leeds‘ side, constantly talking to others and telling them where they need to be.
Daniel Farke’s current captain and vice captain are Liam Cooper and Luke Ayling, and whenever they are off the pitch, which could be pretty frequently this season, Ampadu should be the man with the armband.
Cooper is currently injured and will face a fight to dislodge both Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, while Ayling should lose his place to Djed Spence after the international break.
Struijk has been the man tasked with wearing it in recent weeks, but for all that he offers to the side, he probably isn’t vocal enough to be a captain.
With Ampadu already getting calls to take the armband for his country, he should also be considered for the role at Leeds.
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