Ampadu can take Rambo mantle
ETHAN AMPADU can steer Wales towards the Euro 2024 finals on Thursday night – by underlining why he is their next Celtic warrior leader after Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.
Ampadu will win his 50th cap at the age of just 23 when the Dragons host Finland in their crunch play-off semi-final in Cardiff.
It is a landmark achievement which Wales manager Rob Page insists proves Ampadu is likely to be his country’s next long-term captain in succession to Bale and Ramsey.
The central defender – who is equally at home in midfield – has been wearing the skipper’s armband for Leeds since the turn of the year.
And Page said: “He’s a future Wales captain, 100 per cent. He’s captain of Leeds, a big club.
“He’s a great lad, very humble, doesn’t get carried away with things and he’s a model pro on and off the pitch.
“They wouldn’t have given it to him if they didn’t think he could cope with it. I know him a bit better and I can see why he’s taken it so well and he’ll enjoy it.
“His performances are consistent, week-in and week-out. How he trains is how he is during the game. That’s what you want.”
Ampadu – who joined Leeds in a bargain £9million deal from Chelsea last summer
– has been a key player for the Championship promotion-chasers this season, playing in all
37 of their league matches.
The move has meant a dream Welsh centreback partnership with Joe Rodon, who is on loan at Elland Road from Tottenham.
Page added: “Ethan and Joe have been exceptional this season.
“I’ve been to Leeds quite a bit and they have been outstanding.”