EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists (outside the EU), club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images (+15 in extra time). No use to emulate moving images. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications/services. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Simon Davies/ProSports/Shutterstock (12683919d) Corner flag during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Burnley at Elland Road, Leeds Leeds United v Burnley, Premier League - 02 Jan 2022
Daniel Farke’s work in the transfer window has been nothing short of sublime since he joined Leeds United. Pretty much every addition has contributed, or added something in the hunt for promotion.
So many things can go wrong when making a signing – just ask Victor Orta. A player can get injured at any point, they can struggle with new surroundings, a manager or simply playing with different players.
But pretty much every addition he made last summer have starred. Joe Rodon, Ilia Gruev, Glen Kamara, Joel Piroe, Jaidon Anthony, Connor Roberts and Sam Byram have all been good, and have contributed.
Karl Darlow remains solid back-up without actually impressing on the pitch – and Djed Spence still did put in some good performances before his loan was cut short. But Ethan Ampadu surely tops the lot.
Ethan Ampadu wouldn’t have joined Leeds United without 49ers
There is a wise head on his young shoulders. The £7m addition, described as “exceptional” by Clinton Morrison recently, has been superb for us – starting all 38 Championship matches for Farke’s Leeds.
He’s played 43 times for Leeds and six more for Wales, and come Tuesday night, he will have clocked up the 50th match for both this season. An incredible tally, proving incredible value for money at Leeds.
But an interesting claim has arisen from Phil Hay’s latest Leeds article with The Athletic, which states just how clever Ampadu is – and not only off the pitch. He says Ampadu was unlikely to join us in 2022.
It is claimed that given the ‘unstable’ ownership under Andrea Radrizzani would not have tempted the Leeds star, but The 49ers employing football people did the trick, even without Premier League football.
Where is Ethan Ampadu at his best – in defence, or in midfield?
Ampadu was in excellent form in midfield before reverting to central defence, but alongside Joe Rodon – his form has gone up a level. We have kept 10 clean sheets in the last 13. It says absolutely everything.
Ampadu claims Rodon hates playing in central defence alongside his Wales teammate, but whatever they are doing at the back – it is clearly working. Hopefully, for our sake, it continues until the summer.
With eight league games to play, Ampadu and Rodon have got to continue their form in order for Leeds to maintain momentum. Up next, Leeds go to the inconsistent Watford, on the evening of Good Friday.
Leicester and Ipswich play in the day and that is sure to increase pressure on Leeds – whether they drop points, or both pick up wins. But, our form is impenetrable at the moment. Hopefully, it continues next.
