This Leeds United team looks a whole lot different from when Daniel Farke took over in 2023. And in three years, the German has been able to bring the club abck to the top flight.
The team has undergone many changes, with player exits and new arrivals over the past few seasons, but Farke has always kept a core of the team. The defensive pairing of Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon has been consistent throughout the years in the Championship. Dan James also became a big part of the team since he returned a few seasons ago; Wilfried Gnonto had his ups and downs, but Farke has trusted him most times.
Danny Murphy showers praise on Leeds United star
One player who has been a standout through the years has been Ethan Ampadu. Since joining the club, he has risen through the ranks with his performances. He quickly became a mainstay in the first team and is the club captain. It is no surprise that on the Whites’ return to the top flight, the midfielder has stood out.
Throughout the season he has earned the plaudits, with former Liverpool man Danny Murphy the latest to sing his praises.
“He was absolutely outstanding. Best player on the pitch by an absolute country mile”, Murphy said on talkSPORT.
“He has had a terrific season, grown as a player, as a leader, carries the team, all aspects of his game in the middle of the pitch are tidy.
“He is physically good, he reads the game well, passes progressively through the lines, very rarely makes a mistake.
“I mean, that was as good a performance as I have seen him play since he has come back to the Premier League. Honestly, he was outstanding.”
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Ethan Ampadu has quietly been Leeds’ player of the season
When anybody asks who the best player at Elland Road has been, the first answers will usually be Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Anton Stach. Calvert-Lewin’s goals have served the team really well, and Stach has been the driving force in midfield. However, Ampadu’s performances seem to have gone under the radar this year. He is always available, almost never injured and thrives no matter which midfielder is partnered with him. He forms the bedrock of the team at the base of midfield, which allows Daniel Farke to be flexible with his systems. Ethan Ampadu is the spine of this team, and come this summer, the 49ers have to renew his contract.
