I played 75 times for Wales - Every team needs an Ethan Ampadu with Leeds United skipper only getting better

Leeds United midfield ‘general’ Ethan Ampadu is the kind of player every team needs, according to former Wales striker Dean Saunders.

Ampadu is into his fourth year as a Leeds player with the combative midfielder seen by many as Daniel Farke’s manager on the pitch. The 26-year-old has worn the armband for the past two campaigns, guiding the Whites to a Championship title and 14th place Premier League finish.

Having signed a new four-year contract in June, Ampadu has been outstanding again this season with Leeds looking to climb the table. And Saunders expects the Whites skipper to keep improving ahead of his side’s Nations League opener with Portugal tonight.

“Ethan Ampadu is getting better and better every season for Leeds and Wales,” the former Wales striker told Betpack. “He understands his position more and more every time he plays, it seems.

“He’s really a centre back converted into a defensive midfielder, but he plays the role perfectly. He knows the defensive side of his job inside out, and he plugs holes in the Leeds team and moves the ball on well to the more creative players when they are in possession of the ball.”

Ampadu’s value among the fanbase and within the squad was made clear at the end of last season when he was voted Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year. Few would bet against him claiming both awards again in eight month’s time.

“I think he’s very underrated, “ Saunders added. “He gets a few silly yellow cards and gives away a few too many fouls around the box in dangerous areas. However, sometimes you need a defensive midfielder to take a card to potentially save a goal, and he wouldn’t think twice, so it’s a double-edged sword.

“Ethan never leaves the team vulnerable when they are attacking. He’s a general in the Leeds midfield, and although he might not be a fancy player or creating loads of chances, every team needs an Ethan Ampadu.”