Leeds United’s 1-0 over Everton on Monday night was the perfect start for manager Daniel Farke, captain Ethan Ampadu, and everyone associated with the club.
Daniel Farke and Leeds United had Lukas Nmecha’s penalty, and a somewhat fortunate refereeing decision to give it, to thank for their victory and a huge three points.
However, the midfield trio shone both in and out of possession and that was how Leeds won the game. They dominated from start to finish, with Everton barely able to get a foothold in the clash.
The Elland Road crowd grew nervy in the second half as Everton grew into the game slightly after midfield changes, before Leeds’ new German hero settled the game from 12 yards.
Ethan Ampadu during Leeds United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Speaking at half-time, Jamie Carragher described Ampadu as the best player on the field, having switched back into the centre of midfield to partner Anton Stach and Ao Tanaka from being a centre-back at times over the last two seasons.
The Leeds captain’s primary position is as a midfielder, with Ampadu featuring there at the beginning of his Elland Road career. Ampadu proved that he can perform at the highest level in Leeds’ first game.
Troy Deeney named Ampadu in the BBC Team of the Week. He said: “In holding midfield, Ampadu was excellent. He had a really nasty tackle, and it looked like he could have done damage to his ankle, but he was excellent.
“He showed the armband, headed everything, tackled everything, and was really aggressive in his passing forwards – he was the catalyst for Leeds to go on to win.”
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Spotted in the replies to Ampadu’s Instagram reaction post-match was former Leeds player and Wales teammate Tyler Roberts. The Birmingham City player said: “Skippa🤍”
Daniel Farke, Leeds United manager.
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
What Daniel Farke said about Ampadu post-match
The Leeds skipper endured his fair share of time on the sidelines last season through injury following a near-perfect record the year prior, missing just one game in 2023/24.
There were fears again on 56 minutes after Ampadu had two serious knee issues last term, and he was on the receiving end of a late tackle from Tim Iroegbunam. A yellow card sufficed.
But replays showed the former Aston Villa man had caught Ampadu with his studs. Ampadu was writhing in pain on the ground before picking himself up to play another 22 minutes.
Speaking post-match, Farke explained Ampadu’s condition. He said: “[He’s] alright. We’ll have to assess him, right now it is a big bruise. It’s not ideal, we hope it’s not a big injury. Hopefully it’s not a big injury.”