Craig Bellamy needs a replacement captain for Wales this weekend, and Dan James thinks he knows the perfect man for the job.
Richard Garnett Central Audience Sport Content Editor
17:00, 12 Nov 2025
Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu (right) in action for Wales against Belgium
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Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu (right) in action for Wales against Belgium(Image: David Davies/PA Wire.)
Ethan Ampadu has been an 'incredible captain' for Leeds United and would be the perfect choice to fill in as Wales skipper against Liechtenstein on Saturday, according to teammate Dan James.
The pair are part of a contingent of four Leeds stars who have been included in Craig Bellamy's national team squad for two crucial forthcoming World Cup qualifiers, alongside Karl Darlow and Joe Rodon.
Wales will be expected to overpower winless Liechtenstein on Saturday before facing North Macedonia in a crunch clash that is likely to decide who qualifies for the play-off round, with Belgium currently on course to top Group J.
However, Bellamy will be without his team captain Ben Davies, after the Tottenham Hotspur defender withdrew from the squad after failing to recover from a hamstring injury sustained during Wales' defeat to Belgium in October.
They will also be without the services of experienced Wrexham striker Keiffer Moore and Swansea City defender Ben Cabango, leaving the Welsh boss with plenty to ponder.
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One of his tasks includes selecting a replacement captain for Davies, and while he may have a few options to choose from, Leeds winger James is in no doubt that his teammate and compatriot Ampadu is the man for the job.
Speaking to Sky Sports News about the 25-year-old, James said: "He's obviously been an incredible captain for us for Leeds United. A lot of people forget how young Ethan is. He's been around so long. But he's still young and 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. It's not like a new role for him. He understands the roles and the responsibilities from it, so it's not like it's any added pressure to him because he's quite used to it."
Ampadu joined Leeds from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 and has gone on to make 86 appearances for the Whites, socring twice and helping Daniel Farke's side to clinch the EFL Championship title last season and promotion back to the Premier League.
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