His return has been crucial for Leeds, especially in their tight 1-0 victory over Derby. With his leadership and composure under pressure, Ampadu has been a key figure in stabilizing the team’s defense.

Jon Newsome, a former Leeds player, praised Ampadu’s contributions, noting how the Welsh international’s calmness and tactical awareness stood out when the team was under pressure, particularly in the latter stages of the Derby match.

Despite Leeds struggling to break down Derby for most of the game, Ampadu’s solid defensive displays, his ability to read the game, and his leadership in organizing the backline were pivotal in ensuring they kept a clean sheet and held onto their narrow lead. Newsome highlighted Ampadu’s influence, calling his performance “excellent” and stating that he was the rock upon which Leeds built their resilience when the game became tense.?

Ampadu’s return to midfield against Stoke was a game-changer, with the Welshman showcasing his versatility and influence in the middle of the park. His presence allowed Leeds to control possession and set the tempo, helping them secure a 2-0 win. This solid performance was a clear indication of Ampadu’s importance to the team, whether in defense or midfield.

When Leeds traveled to Derby for the second time this month, Ampadu was again a key figure in their 1-0 victory, which was another clean sheet on the road. Despite Leeds’ poor away form earlier in the season, these two wins have been crucial in boosting their confidence and securing valuable points. Ampadu’s leadership, composure, and all-around influence on the pitch have been vital in stabilizing the team and contributing to this recent turnaround.

Now with two consecutive wins and two clean sheets on the road, Leeds will be hoping that Ampadu can continue to provide the steadying influence they need as they push for promotion. His return to full fitness has been a major boost for Daniel Farke’s side, especially in their bid to climb the Championship table.

Jon Newsome’s comments highlight the crucial role Ethan Ampadu has played in Leeds United’s recent defensive stability, particularly in away games. Newsome observed how Ampadu showed his experience and tactical awareness during the match against Derby. When the pressure mounted, Ampadu intelligently dropped a few yards, providing extra cover for the defense and shielding them from Derby’s attacking threats.

His calmness under pressure and ability to read the game have been key to Leeds’ recent improvements in defense. Joe Rothwell also acknowledged Ampadu’s impact, admitting that without him, Leeds lack that defensive know-how. Ampadu’s steel and positional awareness have made a significant difference in solidifying Leeds’ backline and ensuring they can cope with tough situations during matches.

Newsome’s praise of Ampadu underscores how valuable the Welshman has become for Leeds since his return from injury, and it’s clear that his leadership and defensive intelligence will be essential for the team moving forward in their quest for promotion.

Ethan Ampadu was once again pivotal for Leeds United in their 2-0 win over Derby County. His performance in the heart of the midfield showcased his tenacity and leadership, especially as he found himself in the thick of several key battles.

Throughout the first half, Ampadu was constantly involved in disrupting Derby’s attacks, clashing with key players like Ebou Adams and Marcus Harness. His presence in midfield was felt as he shielded the defense and broke up opposition play.

Ampadu’s combative style eventually earned him a yellow card in the second half, but his overall contribution to Leeds’ defensive stability was undeniable. His ability to read the game and position himself well helped Leeds maintain control, especially as Derby began to pile on pressure. His statistics reflect his hard work, with a solid passing completion rate, a high number of tackles, and interceptions to add to his growing influence on the pitch. Ampadu’s display proved once again why he’s become such a crucial figure for Leeds, especially when they face challenging situations.

Ethan Ampadu’s performance in Leeds United’s 2-0 win over Derby County was a masterclass in midfield control and defensive solidity. Here are his key stats from the match:

90 minutes played

7.9 FotMob rating (second-best on the pitch)

75 touches

39/56 passes completed, including 20 passes into the final third

Six defensive actions and six recoveries

18 duels entered, winning 13 duels (best on the pitch)

Ampadu’s ability to retain possession and distribute the ball effectively is impressive, but it is his defensive prowess that truly stands out, especially in away games where pressure from the opposition is more intense. His solid positioning, winning duels, and breaking up attacks were crucial in helping Leeds maintain control throughout the match. This performance further underlines why Ampadu has become an invaluable asset to Leeds, particularly in challenging encounters away from home.