Wales manager Rob Page has praised Leeds United player Ethan Ampadu after naming him captain for the upcoming friendlies against Gibraltar and Slovenia.
This decision comes after a significant connection has developed between Leeds and Wales over the past year, with several players transferring between the two teams.
Ampadu, who joined Leeds for £10m, has been a standout player in the team’s defense, alongside Joe Rodon, who is on a season-long loan from Tottenham.
With Ben Davies and Aaron Ramsey unavailable and Rodon pulling out of the Wales squad, Page has turned to Ampadu to lead the team.
Page has lauded Ampadu’s qualities, stating that he is “robust” and experienced beyond his 23 years. He highlighted that Ampadu has played the most minutes of any European footballer this season, a testament to his endurance and dedication.
Page also praised Ampadu’s ability to adapt to different cultures and leagues, which has made him the player he is today.
With Liam Cooper expected to leave Leeds after 10 years, Daniel Farke will need to make a decision on who will lead the team forward with the armband.
Ampadu has already captained Leeds in Cooper’s absence, and Farke will need to consider whether to make him the permanent captain.
Other options include Luke Ayling, who has acted as vice captain, and Pascal Struijk, who was captain during the first half of the season before getting injured.
Overall, Ampadu’s captaincy is a significant milestone in his career, and he will lead Wales out against Gibraltar and Slovenia in what will be his 52nd and 53rd caps for the national team.