Paul Merson says two Leeds players are just too good for the Championship

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Paul Merson has named the two Leeds United players he thought were absolutely brilliant in the 3-0 win over Cardiff City on Saturday.

Daniel Farke’s side have won 3-0 three times in a row now, with Cardiff suffering the same fate as both Peterborough United and Birmingham City.

Once again, the Leeds goalkeeper was not given a huge amount to do. Illan Meslier returned for the game after Kristoffer Klaesson had kept the clean sheets in the previous two fixtures.

Paul Merson lauds Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu after Leeds win

Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu started together at centre-back in South Wales. And the two Wales internationals were superb in the emphatic victory.

Rodon made a few crucial interventions. Meanwhile, Ampadu probably appreciated having slightly more time on the ball, having dropped back from midfield in the last couple of fixtures.

And speaking on Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports (broadcast on 13/1; 17:25), Paul Merson suggested that the two centre-backs found life too easy.

“The two centre-halves could’ve played with a cigar in. They could’ve. They were absolutely brilliant, Rodon and Ampadu. Too good for this league if I’m being honest. I think they’re miles too good for this league,” he said.

Two unbelievable signings for Whites

According to Whoscored, both Rodon and Ampadu completed 91 passes. No-one on either side managed more.

Meanwhile, Rodon won five aerial duels and made six clearances. No Leeds player managed more in either category. And only Ilia Gruev could better his tally of three interceptions.

Keeping Rodon appears to be a must for Leeds now. Our time in the Premier League showed how difficult it is to find top-quality centre-backs. And while Rodon is yet to really prove himself at the very highest level, he appears to fit Daniel Farke’s side so well.

It says everything that a look on social media will tell you that some fans are already fearing another Ben White situation.

But Ampadu must not go under the radar. He replaced arguably our best player last season in Tyler Adams. Certainly, he seemed to be our most important judging by the side’s form when he was injured.

And yet, there does not appear to be anyone who expresses any disappointment about Adams’ departure.

His tricky time at Bournemouth is obviously a key reason. But Ampadu has definitely played his part, having been exceptional since signing.