The decision to hand Ethan Ampadu the captain’s armband last summer was the right decision and truthfully, the only option Daniel Farke had in picking Leeds United’s new captain.
Ampadu had only been at Leeds for a year after his permanent move from Chelsea. But with Liam Cooper leaving the club after 10 years at Elland Road, Farke had to confirm a new captain and chose Ampadu.
There were other contenders but none that matched what Ampadu offers Leeds. Perhaps Pascal Struijk, who is the current vice captain while Illan Meslier was also named as a secondary vice captain at Leeds.
Farke continually reiterates Ampadu is Leeds’ most-important player and on Saturday, he proved as much once again for Leeds during the 2-1 win. Playing in defence alongside Joe Rodon, another solid display.
Ethan Ampadu posts on Instagram as Leeds United beat Preston
Cooper was the man to captain Leeds back into the Premier League after 16 years in the wilderness. Now, Ampadu looks like he may follow in Cooper’s footsteps, two years after The Whites were then relegated.
However, the importance of promotion is bigger than it was in 2020-21. Largely, because of the club’s finances and if failing to go up, the chances of falling back down into the myre of Championship abyss.
Well, Leeds look like they’re up, now. The win over Preston came at the same time as Sheffield United suffering a third consecutive loss, with Plymouth coming from behind to beat Chris Wilder’s side.
A huge day for Leeds, now five points clear with four games to. Ampadu posted on Instagram following the win, “MOT!” after another win for Leeds – even if the score should have been a lot more comfortable.
What Cooper said to Ampadu as Leeds beat Preston on Saturday
Ampadu will find himself among a small group of players that have captained Leeds to promotion from the Championship, or the second division. A group that sees him sit alongside Leeds legend Cooper.
The Scotland international who is currently playing for CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria’s top tier, responded to Ampadu’s Instagram on Saturday with a seven-word message: “Tick it off Ampa! Well done brother.”
Next up for Leeds is a trip to Gary Rowett’s Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium, before Leeds return to Elland Road again for two games against Stoke and Bristol City – before the final game at Plymouth.
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