Only a couple of Leeds United players have managed to escape any criticism over the last few weeks, as Daniel Farke is threatened with the sack amid a dismal run of form.
Four defeats in five and five losses in six Premier League games away from home have Leeds and the club’s supporters concerned. Especially when looking at the run of fixtures after the November break.
Leeds remain on 11 points from 11, averaging a point a game. But the belief is that Leeds needed more than that at this stage, with the odds stacked against Leeds getting anything from their next four.
Arguably, only Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sean Longstaff and Joe Rodon have been positives in this Leeds side so far. Even one of Leeds’ most reliable performers in Ethan Ampadu, has struggled in recent games.
Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu and Everton's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall do battle.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Ampadu allowed Morgan Gibbs-White to run off him for Forest’s second, the goal that turned the match. The same happened against West Ham, while the midfield was nowhere to be seen for Burnley’s second.
With Ben Davies injured, Ampadu will be given the Wales captain’s armband in crucial World Cup games against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia. Speaking to Welsh media, James heaped praise on Ampadu.
“He’s obviously been an incredible captain for Leeds. A lot of people forget how young he is with how long he’s been around. He’s a great leader on and off the pitch. It’s a role Ethan could really step up to.”
Daniel Farke and Ethan Ampadu after Leeds' loss at Forest.
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Leeds with Ethan Ampadu, and Leeds without Ethan Ampadu
Since joining Leeds, Ampadu has clocked up 95 appearances in all competitions. Farke has often labelled the Leeds skipper as the club’s most important player and of course, he remains crucial to the Whites.
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His form has dipped, but he is certainly not alone and it is to be expected in the Premier League. What Leeds need from Ampadu now, is that the former Chelsea man learns, adapts and returns to his best.
Games W-D-L Clean Sheets Goals against PPG GPG against
With Ampadu 95 54-20-21 42 86 1.92 0.90
Without Ampadu 21 10-6-5 7 21 1.71 1.00
James is right. Ampadu is only 25 and yet, he has played 220 times at club level in three different countries as well as clocking up 58 caps for his country. An incredible record for someone so young.
At least for now, Ampadu will be able to switch off from Leeds and focus on something else before the Whites go up against Aston Villa on the 23rd. Fans will be hoping Ampadu manages to avoid injury.