SALFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Daniel Farke the head coach / manager of Leeds United during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Salford City and Leeds United at Peninsula Stadium on August 29, 2023 in Salford, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Leeds United midfielder Ethan Ampadu has been hailed as Wales’ star man in their EURO qualifier win over Latvia on Monday.
Ampadu was handed a rating of 9/10 by the Wales Online as Rob Page’s side picked up a vital 2-0 victory away at Latvia to keep their faint hopes of qualifying for next summer’s EUROs alive.
Like at Leeds, Ampadu started in a midfield two but was perhaps given slightly more license to get forward as Wales operated with a back three that included Whites teammate Joe Rodon.
Ampadu was hailed for both his ‘progressive’ passing, as well as his ‘excellent’ defensive work as he produced almost the perfect holding midfield display.
The 22-year-old could have also had an assist to his name after creating a great chance for Tottenham Hotspur’s latest signing Brennan Johnson early on.
Welsh media hails Leeds’ Ampadu as ‘star-man’
Writing in their player ratings piece after the game, the Wales Online praised his work at both ends of the pitch while also labelled him as the best player of the pitch.
“Ethan Ampadu 9 (Star man). 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.”
Praise such as this will come as no surprise to Leeds supporters following his start to life at Elland Road since his £7 million switch from Chelsea.
Ampadu is already arguably Leeds’ most important player with his discipline and quality in central midfield pivotal to providing Daniel Farke’s attacking players the platform to showcase their ability.
What’s more, it is also great news that Ampadu has come out of the international break unscathed so he is ready to attack the season again at Millwall on Sunday.
