Wales manager Rob Page has lauded one Leeds United player after making a big decision ahead of friendlies against Gibraltar and Slovenia this week.
The connection between Leeds and Wales has grown over the course of the past 12 months. Dan James returned to Elland Road from a loan at Fulham, while Ethan Ampadu joined the club for a fee of £10m.
Joe Rodon followed Ampadu to Yorkshire on a season-long loan from Tottenham and has starred with Ampadu in the middle of the Leeds defence under Daniel Farke, during the second half of the season.
Connor Roberts also arrived at Leeds in January on loan from Burnley, though the right-back has been confirmed as returning to parent club Burnley. Roberts could now face Leeds next season in the League.
But with Ben Davies and Aaron Ramsey unavailable and Rodon pulling out of the Wales squad, Page has announced that Leeds star Ampadu will be captain and paid tribute to the versatile Leeds star.
Rob Page lauds Leeds star Ethan Ampadu after captaincy decision
It will see Ampadu walk Wales out against Gibraltar on Thursday and then Slovenia on Sunday, which will be an astonishing 62nd and 63rd appearance of a long-winded season for both club and country.
It will also see Ampadu win his 52nd and 53rd cap for Wales, an incredible total for a player of just 23. But Page highlighted how “robust” and experienced Ampadu is for a player that is still so young of age.
“Ethan’s had the armband at Leeds and he is definitely captain material. He’s definitely one for the future. I saw a stat that out of all the European footballers Ethan has played the most minutes this season.
“That doesn’t surprise me. Robust, got the quality you want, isn’t afraid to experience different cultures and leagues. Those experiences have made him the person and player he is today. Absolute gentleman.”
Daniel Farke has to make captaincy decision at Elland Road
With Liam Cooper now expected to leave Leeds after 10 years and nearly 300 appearances for the club, Farke will have to make a decision on who leads Leeds forward with the armband for years to come.
It is an honour that only Cooper has enjoyed over the last couple of Leeds eras, with Luke Ayling acting as vice captain. Patrick Bamford is not fit enough, with Ampadu captaining Leeds in Cooper’s absence.
Pascal Struijk was captain ahead of Ampadu during the first half of the season but got injured and missed the entire second half of 2023-24. Farke has a decision on the permanent future of the captaincy.