Ethan Ampadu made a surprising return to the Leeds United lineup on Tuesday, starting at right-back and showcasing his defensive skills, strength, and leadership. His introduction in the 85th minute, replacing Sam Byram who was struggling with cramp, helped secure a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough.
Isaac Schmidt was already overlooked for a starting spot in favor of Sam Byram, and then was bypassed again when Ethan Ampadu was brought on as a substitute, despite Schmidt being a more natural fit for the position. Manager Daniel Farke later explained his reasoning behind the decision.
Ethan Ampadu’s versatility, physicality, leadership, and experience in English football and the Championship made him the ideal choice to bring on in a tight game, according to the manager, who opted to utilize Ampadu’s strengths in a defensive role rather than Isaac Schmidt. Stay up-to-date with the latest Leeds United transfer news by joining our WhatsApp community. Simply click the link, select “Join Community”, and receive breaking news and top stories directly to your device. Your personal info will remain private, and you’ll only receive daily updates from our sports team.
