The Leeds United skipper can play both in midfield and in defence
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
12:30, 24 Mar 2026
Leeds United skipper Ethan Ampadu has captained Wales twice
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Leeds United skipper Ethan Ampadu has captained Wales twice(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Ethan Ampadu has reiterated that he feels most comfortable as a midfielder, despite previous stints at centre-back for Leeds United.
The Whites captain’s versatility was key for Daniel Farke in the Championship, with Ampadu playing 16 games and keeping 11 clean sheets at centre-back during the league title campaign last season.
The 25-year-old has played in defence in two cup games this season but there is no doubt that Farke, who brands Ampadu as his “most important player”, sees the Welshman as a defensive midfielder.
Ampadu’s presence in the centre of the park is vital to how Leeds operate, his communication and quarter-back-like playing demeanour is the linchpin of the team’s core. Ampadu is now gearing up for Wales’ World Cup play-off campaign this international break.
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Injuries to Chris Mepham and Ben Davies could require Ampadu, who has 59 caps for his country, to drop back into defence. However, while he is capable of doing so, the player himself prefers midfield.
“I feel like a midfielder at the moment," Ampadu told the Press Association. "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.”
Ampadu’s midfield role also lends itself well to his captaincy duties, being able to communicate to all areas of the pitch with greater ease than in defence - something that can be seen in real time during games.
His off-field character and professionalism is spoken of highly by those around the club and this clearly carries on when away with his country. With Davies and Aaron Ramsey both sidelined, Craig Bellamy must hand the armband to someone else.
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Former Wales boss Rob Page earmarked Ampadu as a future Welsh skipper. "Long term, the captaincy isn't my decision," Ampadu countered when speaking to Wales Online.
"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.
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“If it happens again then it would be a massive achievement, but for now I'm just thinking about Thursday.”