Rob Page has hailed “exceptional” Ethan Ampadu as a future Wales captain after witnessing the dynamic ace play for Leeds United this season.
Wales manager Page has kept a close eye on Leeds this season due to their huge Dragons contingent, which includes Ampadu.
Ampadu is at ease playing in holding midfield or centre back, and he has demonstrated leadership abilities by captaining the team on occasion.
Speaking ahead of Wales’ Euro 2024 qualifying play-off against Finland, Page told BBC Sport [16 March]: “He’s a fantastic boy, extremely humble, doesn’t get carried away, and he’s a model professional on and off the ground.
“He is a potential Wales captain, 100%; he is already the captain of Leeds, a great club. They would not have handed it to him unless they believed he could handle it. I’ve gotten to know him better, and I can see why he’s handled it so well. He’ll appreciate it.
“Ethan and Joe [Rodon] have excelled this season. I’ve gone to Leeds several times and they’ve always been wonderful. When you have a player like Ethan who can play many positions, he’s a valuable asset to the club.”
Leeds United’s most-used players 2023-24
Ampadu has started all 37 Championship games for Leeds United this season, a team record in both categories.
Indeed, he has 3,328 minutes on the field ahead of the Millwall match, 216 more than the next-best Illan Meslier [FBref].
As many predicted, the former Chelsea player has been an excellent purchase, and it appears that he will only improve with time.
Ampadu has been named to Wales’ current squad for the vital Euro 2024 play-off – or play-offs – and is expected to start for his team if fit.
Despite being only 23, Ampadu has already won 49 senior caps for Wales and seems destined to break the all-time appearance record.
Page is correct in calling Ampadu a “exceptional” talent; international teammates Rodon, Daniel James, and now Connor Roberts have also excelled for Leeds.
Each of those will be busy over the international break, but perhaps they will be able to sign off for Leeds with a win over Millwall at Elland Road on Sunday (17 March), which several players may still miss.
