LEEDS, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Joel Piroe of Leeds United reacts during the Carabao Cup First Round match between Leeds United and Middlesbrough at Elland Road on August 14, 2024 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Ethan Ampadu set for integral Leeds United role next season amid burning transfer question
Leeds United have a number of questions to answer when it comes to midfield recruitment this summer
The two most vital positions for Leeds United next season will be goalkeeper and striker but perhaps third is the midfield anchor role.
The Whites are going to have to get used to playing on the back foot in most games in the top flight and having the central pivot will be vital in protecting the defence and linking the back to the front.
Ethan Ampadu has the quality to occupy that role and better serves United in midfield than in defence, despite the back line looking so much better with him at centre-half. As mentioned in last Sunday’s piece, United need a new central partner for Joe Rodon to allow Ampadu the freedom of midfield.
The captain’s traits go beyond his talented ball-at-feet skills. His leadership and communication have been key this season and will be more vital when the going gets tough next.
Ampadu has Premier League experience and is one of a handful who will keep his place in the line up for the start of the new term. Who plays alongside him is less clear.
Farke has utilised a 4-2-3-1 formation as his main ploy throughout his managerial career, rarely changing tack unless he’s had to. In the 102 matches he has overseen at Leeds, Farke has diverged from his trend just four times, the last time being that 4-3 win over Middlesbrough over a year ago.
The Premier League is a different beast and formation changes may become more regular but it seems unlikely he will buck his trend and try something he is unaccustomed to. It would be a rather risky time to do so.
Of course, the style of play will alter against stronger opposition, and so might the personnel. Ao Tanaka has been one of the signings of the season but the run-in has shown why Farke might not have full confidence in him starting a top flight match just yet.
He’s been robbed of the ball several times, made a number of loose passes and looks a touch lightweight, which will get exposed in the Premier League. Yet he is someone who could grow into a top tier starter and become a mainstay as the season develops.
He has got the right tools, just not all of them are fine-tuned quite yet and he will be playing on the back of featuring in the longest season in his career. Having Tanaka on your bench would be a fantastic sign that the squad is in a good place.
But it feels as though a more robust and tried-and-tested talent needs to partner Ampadu, at least to begin with. Joe Rothwell has been a great serviceman to Leeds this season but there is a reason why Bournemouth allowed him to be loaned to a Championship side this term and half of last.
