Leeds United boss Daniel Farke loves a hostile football ground
Daniel James has backed Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu to don the Welsh armband this month.
Daniel James believes his Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu would be a perfect fit to wear the Wales armband in the absence of usual leaders Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies.
Craig Bellamy’s side face Liechtenstein and North Macedonia knowing two wins would guarantee them a play-off spot or maybe even automatic qualifying, should Belgium drop unlikely points. Four points would also do the job, so long as they beat North Macedonia who are currently three points clear in second having played a game more.
Wales will have to navigate those high-pressure games without two key leaders, however, with Aaron Ramsey not in the playing squad while Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies has withdrawn due to a hamstring injury. The pair had been sharing the armband in recent months but someone will now need to take on that responsibility.
“He’s obviously been an incredible captain for us at Leeds United,” James said of club and country teammate Ampadu. “I think a lot of people forget how young Ethan is (25), he’s been around for so long. He’s still young but he’s a great leader on and off the pitch.
“It’s not my choice but as I said, he’s been incredible for Leeds and I think he would suit that role perfectly because it’s not a new role for him. He understands the roles and responsibilities from it so it's not like it's any added pressure for him, he’s quite used to it.”
Dan James echoes Craig Bellamy sentiment surrounding Ethan Ampadu
Ampadu has experienced the responsibility of leading his nation out, having captained Wales in June for a 4-0 friendly defeat to Slovakia. But the 25-year-old has never worn the international armband for a competitive game, not least one of such importance as this month’s World Cup qualifiers.
Read More
The Leeds midfielder doesn’t need an armband to take on leadership roles, however, and was an instant dressing room presence at Elland Road alongside captains Liam Cooper, Luke Ayling and Pascal Struijk. He took the armband for the first time in January last year and has regularly impressed national team boss Bellamy in the role.
“His leadership skills, for someone so young, is beyond impressive,” Bellamy said of Ampadu last month. “But he’s just a talented player and has the — I know you hear me like broken record — but he definitely has the profile I like in a six... And Ethan is a top level performer in that area.”
Leeds will just hope Ampadu and his club teammates can come through the international break unscathed, with the midfielder one of nine first-team squad members away playing for their respective nations. Daniel Farke will need everyone available for a tricky upcoming schedule, starting with Aston Villa’s visit to Elland Road next Sunday.
Continue Reading