Leeds United are gearing up for a significant Championship season, with Daniel Farke making an important choice regarding Ethan Ampadu’s position.
Ampadu, 23, joined Leeds United last summer for a fee reported to be around £7 million from Chelsea.
The Welsh international made a strong impression in his debut season at Elland Road, featuring in 54 matches across all competitions.
Throughout the season, the versatile player demonstrated his skills by playing both in midfield and as a center-back when needed.
Although his first year at Leeds ended in the disappointment of a play-off final defeat, there is optimism that his form could help the Yorkshire team return to the Premier League soon.
If Leeds achieve promotion back to the top flight, they will depend on Ampadu’s contributions, as he has been assigned a new role at the club.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images
Ethan Ampadu has been appointed the new captain of Leeds United. As the new season approaches, Leeds United have unveiled a fresh leadership group within the squad.
With Liam Cooper departing the club after a decade, the captain’s armband was available, and Ethan Ampadu has been chosen as the new Leeds United captain.
Ampadu will lead alongside Pascal Struijk and Illan Meslier, who have also been named as key leaders within the squad.
In a statement on the official Leeds website, manager Daniel Farke said: “Ethan, Pascal, and Illan have all been pivotal to the team since my arrival last summer. I believe we have a very strong leadership group with these three players, who are respected by everyone.
“Both Ethan and Pascal demonstrated last season that they can handle the responsibility of leading the team, and I look forward to their continued leadership in the upcoming campaign.”
Despite being at the club for just a year, Ampadu has expressed his pride in being named captain.
“It’s a great honor to be named captain of this incredible football club,” said the new captain. “I understand the significant responsibility that comes with this role.
“Leading the team on numerous occasions last season was a privilege, and I’m thrilled to have been given this opportunity.
“I’m committed to giving my best for the badge and aim to lead by example both on and off the pitch, following in the footsteps of many great captains before me.”
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Assessing the captaincy options for Leeds reveals an intriguing transition over the past year.
With Cooper, a long-time fixture at the club, having rarely featured under Farke, his leadership was less visible on the pitch. Additionally, Luke Ayling’s departure and Patrick Bamford’s injury concerns left the team without some of its experienced senior players at times.
In Ethan Ampadu, Pascal Struijk, and Illan Meslier, Leeds now have three young players with considerable experience for their age. Each has demonstrated leadership in various ways, and their new roles will allow them to take on greater responsibility for both performances and the dressing room atmosphere.
How they handle these roles remains to be seen, but the decision to appoint them could significantly shape the future of the team.