It has not been the start to the season that Leeds United might have hoped for. Daniel Farke's side picked up some points early on, but they have soon been sucked into a relegation battle.
The Whites have won just one of their last five games.
Despite the poor form, the Leeds head coach has seemingly settled on his first-choice midfield. Sean Longstaff has been one of their key creative components and is currently creating an average of 2.3 chances per 90 minutes. Summer signing Anton Stach has featured in all ten Premier League games, too.
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However, it is Ethan Ampadu who has arguably been the key man in midfield
What makes Ampadu so important for Leeds
Since moving to Elland Road back in 2023, Wales international Ampadu has become a key player for Leeds. There is certainly a strong argument to suggest that he is Farke’s most trusted player in their squad.
Ampadu
Indeed, the Chelsea academy star has played eight times in the Premier League this season, missing two games at the beginning of the campaign due to injury. Of those eight appearances, he’s played 90 minutes six times.
The 25-year-old has operated at the base of the midfield this season, forming that trio with Stach and Longstaff. However, part of what makes him so crucial for the Whites is his versatility.
Ampadu can also play at centre-back, offering excellent flexibility to Farke should he wish to change shape during a game.
It is not just versatility that makes Ampadu so important to this Leeds side, but also his leadership, which has previously been described as “impressive” by the manager.
As club captain, Ampadu guided Leeds to promotion last season and has skippered them in all eight top-flight games he’s played in 2025/26.
Leeds United's Ethan Ampadu with Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle after he receives medical attention
Interestingly, Leeds might have their homegrown version of Ampadu shining in the academy.
Leeds could have a homegrown Ampadu
Not only is Ampadu an exceptional footballer, but the versatility he possesses and the leadership qualities he brings to the squad make him a huge part of the Leeds project under Farke.
Well, it is exciting that the Whites could be replicating that, in the form of Alfie Cresswell. The 18-year-old has shone for the academy side at Elland Road this season and is certainly showing similarities to Ampadu.
One of those is the versatility he offers to the Leeds under-23s. This term, Cresswell has operated as a number six more often than not. He’s impressed in that role, too, scoring four times in nine appearances.
However, like the Leeds first-team skipper, Cresswell can operate in defence, too.
In fact, that is a role he’s played more often than not for Leeds’ academy sides, 26 of his appearances coming from centre-back.
Cresswell stats by position for Leeds academy
Position
Centre-back
Defensive midfield
Right-back
Central midfield
Right midfield
Stats from Transfermarkt
It is already easy to see the comparison between Ampadu and Cresswell. Having that level of versatility certainly increases his chances of a first-team opportunity, because Farke can rely on him in different positions. In fact, the youngster has already trained with the senior side at Leeds.
The similarities between Ampadu and Cresswell, whose brother Charlie and dad Richard have played for the club, do not stop there. The 18-year-old has also captained Leeds’ academy side, doing so six times this term.
His leadership is something that has stood out to arguably the most important person, Farke. The Leeds manager has complimented Cresswell for having “brilliant character,” which is certainly something you need to become a successful skipper, while suggesting he could be an example of saving the club from having to dip into the market.
"If they then one day make the step into being a proper member of the first team, then even better - we can save some transfer fee, and it's always better in terms of identification," Farke said.
"If not, then we have to create value. We have a brilliant lad, and also a very talented young lad and a top character with Alfie."
It really does feel like the Whites are brewing the heir to Amapadu’s thrown in the academy. His profile is identical to Leeds’ number four, being a versatile defender who has played as a number six this term and captained the side.
It will be fascinating to see how Cresswell’s career develops from here, and if there are going to be any first-team opportunities in a matchday squad this season.