Leeds United’s squad’s youth has resulted in the emergence of several new leaders this season.
Liam Cooper has been Elland Road’s captain for numerous years, but his on-field engagement has waned, requiring others to step up.
Cooper is in his tenth and most likely final season at Leeds, and he will no sure have been assisting those who have taken the armband, which began with Pascal Struijk until an injury sidelined him for three months and counting.
In Struijk’s absence, Ethan Ampadu has been tasked with captaining Leeds, despite signing in the summer and being only 23 years old.
However, Ampadu has led by example this season, having played all but one minute of Leeds’ Championship campaign to date, and he performs far beyond his years.
That is reflected in the fact that he is expected to gain his 50th cap for Wales tonight, as Rob Page’s side embarks on a new era without Gareth Bale and, soon, Aaron Ramsey.
Ampadu is expected to take over as one of Wales’ key men in this new generation, and his performances at Leeds suggest he has the potential to do so.
Furthermore, on the most recent episode of the BBC’s Football Daily Podcast, Luton Town defender Tom Lockyer praised Ampadu as a future Wales captain.
Luton’s Lockyer hailed Leeds sensation Ampadu as the next Wales captain.
He stated, “He will be captain [of Wales] one day.” It is simply a matter of time. It’s hard to believe he’s only 23, but when he first arrived, he exuded composure on the field and in the locker room.
“He was unfazed by anything, and I remember thinking even then that this man may be quite remarkable. I am delighted that he has finally found a home in Leeds.
“They’ve really warmed to him, and he appears to be having a great time there. I truly believe the world is his oyster today, and if he can stay fit, the only way is up.”
What Joe Rodon has said about Ampadu’s captaincy spell in Leeds
Ampadu has smoothly taken up the job at Leeds, and in games when he has worn the armband, Daniel Farke’s team has missed only two points.
Because of the young of Leeds’ roster, Joe Rodon believes Ampadu is a player who many of his colleagues already look up to for the way he conducts himself on and off the court.
He said, “I’m going to praise you here. Since the boss gave him the armband, he has taken to it with ease. Many of the lads look up to him, not just here but on the national team as well.
“He’s growing each year and this season him playing none stop it’s only going to make him more comfortable and confident, and long may it continue.”
