Joe Rodon has no doubts that Ethan Ampadu will thrive in the Wales captaincy role, insisting the armband is in “safe hands” as Craig Bellamy’s side prepare for their final World Cup qualifiers without Ben Davies.
Tottenham defender Davies has been ruled out through injury, leaving 25-year-old Ampadu set to lead his country in crucial matches against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia.
The Leeds United midfielder is already accustomed to the responsibility, having captained his club since July 2024.
“Ethan is young but it feels like he’s been around forever,” said Rodon, who has played alongside Ampadu for both Leeds and Wales.
“He’s very mature at that young age, which is rare. He’s been brilliant ever since he was made captain at the start of last season.
“He’s just grown into the role and gets better and better each week. Everyone loves him and that’s a good trait to have.
“He can go to any player in any group and just be comfortable, they all gravitate towards him.
In my first year on loan, I think he played over 60 games and the way he carries himself and the way he played, I don’t think it surprised anyone he was made captain.”
Rodon himself will be a vital figure in a depleted Welsh back line, with both Davies and Swansea’s Ben Cabango missing. The 28-year-old has been an ever-present for Leeds, playing 97 consecutive league matches — a run that leaves him close to matching Norman Hunter’s long-standing club record for outfield appearances.
“Whoever is the captain I’m always going to be vocal,” said Rodon. “**That’s what I’ve grown into now.
Ben’s massive for us on and off the pitch, but we’ve been around each other for a long time. We know what it takes and what we need to get done this week.
So hopefully we can just prepare right this week and put in a strong performance on the weekend.**”
As well as his defensive consistency, Rodon has started to make his mark in attack.
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After scoring his first international goal in Wales’ 3–0 win over Liechtenstein in June, he added another against Belgium last month and has also found the net for Leeds against Bournemouth and West Ham.
“I knew that was something I wanted to add to my game and over the last six months it’s been successful,” he said.
“Once you get a little taste for it, it’s more about the belief and confidence knowing that when I go up there I’m going to get a chance.”
Wales need victories in both remaining qualifiers to boost their hopes of securing a favourable play-off draw for March — and with Ampadu now leading the side, Rodon believes the team’s leadership core remains strong despite the absence of their long-time captain.
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