The Wales armband is available for this week and one Leeds United player is a main contender.
Leeds United midfielder Ethan Ampadu’s only current focus is on getting Wales to the World Cup - but captaining his country again would be a ‘massive achievement’.
The absence of experienced pair Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies means the armband is up for grabs going into this most crucial round of fixtures. Ampadu is among the frontrunners to take on the responsibility, having done so twice in the past while also being a club-level skipper with Leeds for nearly two years.
He’d be captaining familiar faces, too, with Leeds teammates Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon and Daniel James all set to feature. But while leading Wales out would replicate one of Ampadu’s ‘proudest moments’, the goal is simply to beat Bosnia and then secure a World Cup spot next week.
"I don't think that's anyone’s aim for this game," Ampadu said when asked about the captaincy. "To think individually you have to think about the individual quality you could bring to deciding a game.
“But for me, this game is all about us achieving and winning on Thursday night, whatever it takes. Long term, the captaincy isn’t my decision. I've been very grateful to wear the armband before and it’s one of the proudest moments I’ve had captaining my country.
“It’s a great feeling and makes your family feel proud. If it happens again then it would be a massive achievement, but for now it’s just thinking about Thursday.”
Captain or not, Ampadu will be a key squad member as Wales look to qualify for a second consecutive World Cup, having previously waited 64 years to reach the tournament. The Leeds man was just 21-years-old when he started in a 1-0 win over Ukraine that sent them to Qatar four years ago.
Ethan Ampadu’s favoured position amid Wales suggestions
Since that huge moment, Ampadu has switched between centre-back and central midfield at club-level. Since joining Leeds in 2023, time has been spent mostly further forward but the Welshman did spend half a Championship season alongside Joe Rodon when Pascal Struijk was out injured.
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Premier League Leeds are better-stocked in central defence which has allowed Ampadu to make the midfield anchor role his own, stepping up to the top-flight impressively. With Wales short on defensive experience, there have been suggestions of a return to the back-line but it’s clear where the Leeds captain is most comfortable.
“I feel like a midfielder at the moment,” Ampadu added. “There have been times in my career when I’ve been playing as a centre half, but I’ve played in midfield pretty much every game this season and I’ve really enjoyed it.
“It’s disappointing to miss players through injury, especially those like Chris [Mepham] and Ben [Davies]. Chris brings such quality and experience and everyone knows how big a miss Ben is. But we’ve got a very good squad here, and we have trust in every player to perform and deliver as we should.”
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