Leeds United midfielder Ethan Ampadu has been described as “defensively excellent” in Wales’ vital 2-0 Euro 2024 qualifier win away in Latvia yesterday evening, a victory which sees Rob Page’s side retain a solid chance of qualification for next year’s international tournament.
Whilst it was fellow midfielder Aaron Ramsey and David Brooks who found themselves on the score-sheet for Wales, it was Ampadu’s performance in the defensive midfield role which caught the eye of the Welsh media.
Labelled the “star man” for the Red Dragons in last night’s contest, Ampadu earned himself a nine out of ten player rating from outlet Wales Online.
“One half of an impressive deep midfield duo.
“Notable how progressive he was with his distribution, feeding Ramsey, Wilson and Johnson in particular with accuracy and ease. Sent Johnson through with a fantastic pass early on. Defensively excellent, too.”
Ampadu’s defensive ability, as well the quality of his passing distribution, are aspects of the 22-year-old’s game which Leeds fans will be familiar with following his arrival from Chelsea during the summer transfer window for a £7m fee.
The first of Whites boss Daniel Farke’s summer signings, there is no doubt that Ampadu has impressed massively in the deep-lying midfield position alongside the 17-year-old Archie Gray.
Ampadu was joined in the Wales starting XI by Leeds team-mate Joe Rodon, another summer arrival who was brought to West Yorkshire from Tottenham Hotspur to bolster Farke’s options at centre-back.
Like his compatriot Ampadu, Rodon also impressed, being given a seven out of ten rating for his display.
“Good aerially and spread the ball well, linking up with the wing-backs and midfielders.
“A crucial cog in that back three all night.”
Leeds’ domestic season gets back underway this weekend following the international break, as Farke’s side travel to The Den to face Millwall on Sunday.
