Nathan Blake was critical of Ethan Ampadu during the second-half of Wales’ draw with Armenia after the Leeds United midfielder misplaced a pass which left the 23-year-old with his head in his hands.
Blake was speaking to BBC Radio Wales as Rob Page’s men endured a disappointing afternoon which saw their Euro 2024 qualification hopes taken out of their own hands.
Ethan Ampadu criticised during second-half of Wales draw
Ethan Ampadu was one of those who struggled in the 1-1 draw. Wales went a goal down inside the first five minutes. And there were moments where Armenia came incredibly close to going back in front.
Unfortunately, Ampadu did not cover himself in glory for Armenia’s goal. And there was one moment during the second-half where the Leeds man messed up a final pass. He was clearly frustrated.
And Blake – who had a very brief loan spell at Elland Road back in 2005 – suggested that he could not believe that Ampadu made the error.
“He has to make that pass. You can see him put his head in his hands,” he told BBC Radio Wales.
“He should make that pass in his sleep.”
Midfielder will feel he has point to prove after draw
Ampadu has set such a high standard this season. So he will be hugely disappointed with his display in the draw, particularly as Croatia’s win later in the day left Wales third in their group with one game remaining.
Certainly, Ampadu has been such a brilliant signing for Leeds. He is surely one of the first names on Daniel Farke’s team sheet. And it is almost remarkable to think that he turned 23 only fairly recently. He has potential to improve further.
Ampadu has been tipped to be a future Wales captain. And hopefully he bounces back with a superb performance next week when his country face Turkey.
He definitely has the ability to play a key role in what is potentially a massive game for Page’s side.
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