Ilia Gruev was only a temporary fix for Ethan Ampadu in midfield as the Wales star dropped into the Leeds United defence in place of the injured Pascal Struijk – but it has become a permanent move.
Ampadu started the season, and initially joined Leeds to play the anchoring midfield role in the 4-2-3-1 system deployed by Daniel Farke. He did that superbly, during the first half of the season at Elland Road.
But with Struijk injured, Farke chose to partner Ampadu in the middle of the defence with Joe Rodon – his fellow Wales teammate. He did so instead of bringing in either Liam Cooper or Charlie Cresswell.
It has worked – with Rodon and Ampadu combining in the middle of the defence since the 3-0 away win over Cardiff. Nine Championship games in a row, winning eight and keeping a huge six clean sheets.
Over the weekend, our four Wales stars spoke to Sgorio and Ampadu – perhaps jokingly – claims that Rodon hates the £10m signing playing with him at centre-back, and saying that Rodon does his running.
“Joe hates it when I play centre-back. Joe actually hates it. Me and Joe have done it before, feels quite comfortable. I’ll pass it and let Joe do my running, balls in behind and I’ll let Joe do that – it’s quite easy.”
Ethan Ampadu jokes Joe Rodon hates him in Leeds defence
Whether he likes it or not, Rodon is shining alongside Ampadu with both complimenting eachother to perfection over the last few weeks. Rodon was also full of praise for Ampadu, since becoming captain.
The duo are likely to continue together in the middle of the defence come Tuesday night when Leeds play host to Stoke – with Struijk expected to be out with injury until the March international break.