Leeds United have made a strong start to the Premier League season, picking up nine points from their first five league games while remaining unbeaten.
The new signings have played a big part in Leeds’ start. Tarik Muharemovic and Nico Elvedi have added real steel to the defence while James Trafford has sorted out their goalkeeping issues.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also been in form at the start of the campaign, scoring three in the opening five Premier League games and has picked up from where he left off last term.
However, one man has again been instrumental and at the heart of the Leeds team, and it is difficult to imagine a Whites team without him.
Adam Pope hails Leeds United star after another brilliant performance
Leeds United’s decision to sign the Welshman from Chelsea for £7m in 2023 has turned out to be one of the best deals in the club’s recent history.
He quickly established himself as a leader in the Leeds dressing room and officially became club captain in 2024. Ampadu has been the man to look at for the Whites on and off the pitch.
BBC journalist Adam Pope was left stunned by what he saw from Ampadu against Crystal Palace last weekend and insisted he looked a proper captain.
He stressed that there is no doubt that the Welshman is now one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
Pope said on the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast: “I thought Ethan Ampadu was brilliant [against Crystal Palace].
“He was outstanding in tight spaces, getting Leeds out of trouble, and he tried his best. I thought he was a proper captain yesterday.
“He has shown me that he is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.”
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Ampadu will join the pantheon of Leeds legends
Ampadu has become far more than just another player in the Leeds squad. He is the figure Farke trusts to lead the team on the pitch and one of the strongest voices in the dressing room. It is hard to picture Leeds without the Welshman at the heart of the side.
His influence extends well beyond his role as a defensive midfielder. Ampadu has developed into one of the Premier League’s most dependable players in that position while building a genuine bond with the supporters.
If he continues on his current trajectory, there is little doubt that Ampadu’s name could eventually be mentioned among the modern Leeds greats. And there would be something rather fitting about a player who started out at Chelsea becoming a legend at Elland Road.
