Jamie Carragher picks out Leeds United star for huge praise as Sunderland hero weighs in
One Leeds United standout earned plenty of praise following Monday's 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur.
Jamie Carragher has named Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu as one of his favourite Premier League midfielders.
Ampadu put in another brilliant midfield performance on Monday night as Leeds came from behind to draw 1-1 at Tottenham Hotspur. The Welshman won his side a crucial penalty and took a hefty blow to the head for his efforts, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin burying from the spot to cancel out Mathys Tel’s 50th-minute opener.
With Leeds mathematically safe before kick-off, there were outside suggestions of being on the beach but Ampadu appeared desperate to prove otherwise. The combative midfielder spent 90 minutes snapping into challenges, driving his side forward and riling up any Tottenham player who dared approach him.
The performance typified Ampadu’s season, with the Whites skipper stepping up to the Premier League and looking right at home among the world’s best midfielders. And Carragher was full of praise for one of his favourite players following Monday’s stalemate.
“People thought Farke couldn’t cut it in the Premier League but I think he’s proven a lot of doubters wrong,” Carragher told Sky Sports. “He’s had a real influence on the team in terms of changing the system, but the football they play. They haven’t just come in and whacked it long, relied on set-pieces. They play really good football.
“And Ethan Ampadu, every time I watch him play I’m impressed by that lad. He’s been one of my favourite players, certainly midfield players, to watch in the Premier League this season. Every time I watch him, he doesn’t have a bad game. Fantastic.”
Ampadu was not the only impressive performer in Leeds colours on Monday. His Player of the Match award could easily have gone to Jaka Bijol, who dominated his own box, while James Justin, Joe Rodon and Anton Stach also played big parts in the comeback draw. Substitutes Sean Longstaff, Lukas Nmecha and Willy Gnonto all made a positive impact.
Sunderland hero praises Leeds United quality
Leeds were more reliant on their defensive unit in the first-half but after going behind, grabbed a foothold in the game. Calvert-Lewin’s penalty was followed by a lengthy spell of pressure and Longstaff came within inches of winning it deep into added-time., but for Antonin Kinsky’s world-class save.
“The manager mentioned culture, everyone pulling in the right direction, second-half they were really good,” former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe added. “Good football team, you know. I don’t think they get enough credit.
“You speak about Leeds and what they do without the ball, but I think when they get the ball back - because at some stage you have to have a spell, show your quality - I think they did that tonight and I think they’ve done that throughout the season.”
Leeds are now unbeaten in seven Premier League games and can finish the season nine without defeat. The Whites host Brighton in their last home game on Sunday before a final-day trip to Tottenham’s relegation rivals, West Ham.