Ampadu shines for Leeds vs Palace, he will be key to the club’s chances of avoiding relegation | OneFootball

Leeds United claimed a resounding 4-1 win over Crystal Palace at Elland Road, continuing their resurgence since the switch to the 3-5-2 shape.

Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin carried on his terrific form with two goals (his fifth in as many games) before Ethan Ampadu made it three after the half-time break.

Palace hoped to bounce back after netting late, but a free-kick from Anton Stach sealed the three points for Leeds, moving them six points clear of the relegation zone.

Calvert-Lewin will get most of the plaudits for his brace, which takes him up to seven league goals in 15 league appearances this term.

However, captain Ampadu was an unheralded hero this weekend for the Whites.

Apart from Ampadu’s goal, his long throws caused massive problems for the Palace rearguard, allowing Calvert-Lewin to seal his brace.

They won’t count as assists, but those throws were mint and key to Leeds’ goals.

Besides the goal involvements, he won 9/12 duels, made nine recoveries, and three clearances while winning two fouls in his 66 minutes on the pitch.

The Yorkshire Evening Post gave Ampadu a 9/10 for his performance, praising his physicality. They also hailed his performance as ‘pretty complete’.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke will hope that Ampadu and the rest of the team can keep up these performances as they bid to survive the drop.

Ampadu, in that holding midfield role, will be key.

Former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo had snapped up the Welshman for the Blues as a teenager after being impressed with his performances for Exeter City.

While he struggled to live up to the initial hype, Ampadu has developed into a solid and reliable midfielder, capable of providing a helping hand at centre-back.

It will be quite the achievement if he can help keep Leeds in the top flight, especially given that many tipped them to return to the Championship immediately after their promotion.