Daniel Farke truly believes Leeds United boast one of the Premier League's best midfielders | OneFootball

Daniel Farke says he thinks Ethan Ampadu is among the Premier League’s best midfielders, after the captain starred in Leeds United’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace, scoring his first top-tier goal.

Leeds have 19 points from 17 games as the halfway point nears. Leedsunited.news notes they are unbeaten in four and visit Sunderland next, aiming to carry that run into the new year. It caps a strong finish to the year after six defeats in seven.

Ampadu joined from Chelsea in 2023 for £10m as Farke’s first signing, ending four successive loans while on Chelsea’s books. A strong debut campaign saw him replace Liam Cooper as captain.

Injuries last season underlined his influence, with Leeds struggling away when the Wales midfielder was missing from Farke’s starting XI. Back in the Premier League after a knee setback and a dip in form, he looks close to his best again.

On Tuesday Farke said comparisons across clubs are difficult, but for Leeds Ampadu is a cornerstone and possibly their most important player. He highlighted Ampadu’s balance without the ball, duel-winning, sense of danger, help for the backline and ability to launch attacks and smother counters, adding there is more to come from a young captain he still regards as one of the league’s best. He also name-checked midfield options Stach, Gruev, Tanaka and Longstaff.

Source: Leedsunited.news