By David Williams
Ethan Ampadu can steer Wales towards the Euro 2024 finals on Thursday night – by underlining why he is their next Celtic warrior leader after Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.
Ampadu will win his 50th cap at the age of just 23 when Wales host Finland in their crunch play-off semi-final in Cardiff.
It’s a landmark achievement which Wales manager Rob Page insists proves Ampadu is likely to be his country’s next long-term captain in succession to Bale and Ramsey.
The central defender – who is equally at home in midfield – has been wearing the skipper’s armband for Leeds United since the turn of the year and Page said: “He’s a future Wales captain, 100%.
“He’s captain of Leeds, a big club. He’s a great lad, very humble, doesn’t get carried away with things and he’s a model pro on and off the pitch.
“They (Leeds) wouldn’t have given it to him [the captaincy] if they didn’t think he could cope with it. I know him a bit better and I can see why he’s taken it so well and he’ll enjoy it.
“His performances are consistent, week-in and week-out. Throughout the year, how he trains is how he is during the game. That’s what you want.”
Ampadu – who joined Leeds in a bargain £9m deal from Chelsea last summer – has been a key player for the Championship promotion-chasers this season, playing in all 37 of their league matches.
Ethan Ampadu has been on fire for Leeds United…
How did we sign this guy in the Championship? #LUFC | #Scouting pic.twitter.com/sljepBA7GZ
— What Next: Leeds United (@WhatNextLUFC) September 19, 2023
The move has meant a dream Welsh centre-back partnership with Joe Rodon, who is on loan at Elland Road from Tottenham.
Page added: “Ethan and Joe have been exceptional this season. I’ve been to Leeds quite a bit and they’ve been outstanding.”
Ramsey has barely figured for Cardiff City since the autumn because of injuries and it would be a major gamble if Page starts his regular skipper against the Finns.
His absence could mean Page pushes Ampadu into a midfield role, one he played regularly last season on loan at Italian club, La Spezia.
“Ethan’s just as good playing as a six in midfield as he is at the back. When you’ve got someone like Ethan who can play a multitude of positions he’s a great asset to the team.”
Wales have no fewer than four Leeds players in their ranks with Ampadu joined by Connor Roberts, Daniel James and Joe Rodon.
Ampadu has forged an outstanding centre-back partnership with Rodon as Championship high-fliers Leeds have stepped up their push for a return to the Premier League.
But Page has recently used Ampadu in a central midfield axis with Birmingham teenager Jordan James.
“Of course you’re going to think about it (playing Ampadu in defence), but when I’ve got a three that are playing well I don’t like making changes for the sake of it,” said Page, who has been an Elland Road regular this season.
First Leeds goal for Ethan Ampadupic.twitter.com/wfWrpRAeeC
— LUFCMOT (@LUFCMOTcom) January 7, 2024
“I do like Ethan as a centre-back because he keeps you high up the pitch. You can play a high line because he is not worried about pace in behind because of his athleticism and aggression.
“On the ball we’ve needed that physicality and him and JJ (James) have struck up such a strong partnership.
“It’s great to have that luxury that he can play more than one position and Joe can do the same.
“When Locks (Tom Lockyer) came in and played in the middle, Joe went to the right of the three and did really well.
“That’s given me food for thought as both of them can play a multitude of positions.
“He and Joe have struck up a good partnership keeping clean sheets, but Ethan’s just as good playing as a six in midfield as he is at the back.”
The Leeds quartet will be the last players to arrive at the Wales camp as Daniel Farke’s side meet Millwall on Sunday.
Rob Page Wales squad announcement press conference this morning ahead of next weeks UEFA Euro qualifier, pics by Andrew Orchard pic.twitter.com/FL693KRsLa
— Andrew Orchard (@sportsphotoAOSP) March 13, 2024
Page admits the 3pm kick-off at The Den has altered his pre-Finland planning, saying: “I tried to get a welcome meeting for Sunday night and show all the positives from the campaign.
“We will have to do that on Monday morning now because of the delay in some of the players coming in.
“We just hope everyone turns up on Sunday night because they are in such good form.”
If Wales beat Finland, they will face a winner-takes-all play-off final four days later at home against either Poland or Estonia.
