'I think he’s very underrated' - Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu draws praise from Wales hero Dean Saunders
Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu has drawn praise from a former Wales star
Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu is “very underrated”, according to Wales hero Dean Saunders.
The 26-year-old has been on the books at Elland Road for over three years and is quite possibly the first name Daniel Farke puts on his teamsheet.
He has made a relatively seamless transition from the Championship to the Premier League, establishing himself as an integral figure in a rapidly-improving Leeds side.
The defensive midfielder is also a crucial player in the Wales set-up and is currently away on international duty with the Dragons.
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Dean Saunders on ‘underrated’ Ethan Ampadu
Former Doncaster Rovers boss Saunders, who represented Wales with distinction as a player, told Betpack: “Ethan Ampadu is getting better and better every season for Leeds and Wales. 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. I think he’s very underrated.”
Ethan Ampadu’s role
Ampadu’s technical prowess has allowed him to look comfortable at Premier League level, but he has endeared himself to the Elland Road faithful with his aggression too.
Saunders said: “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 create loads of chances, every team needs an Ethan Ampadu.”