Ethan Ampadu: Versatile Leeds player in frame to captain Wales

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It is easy to see why Ampadu is such a stand out candidate to take the arm band more permanently for his country in the near future.

The son of former Swansea City player Kwame Ampadu, he has already packed a lot into his short career. He became the youngest debutant for Exeter City before being whisked away to Stamford Bridge in 2017.

“Ethan is incredible as a person as well,” said Page.

“You see his interviews at the end of games and he is a gentlemen he absolutely is.”

While at Chelsea, Ampadu became the first player born in the 2000s to play for their first team.

He was subsequently sent out on loans to RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia before making a permanent move to Leeds for over £7m last summer.

Page added: “He is not afraid to go and experience different cultures and different leagues. He has gone to Germany, he has gone to Italy, he played in the Premiership, that has made him the person he is today. In my opinion I think it has made him robust.

“It is a stat that of all European footballers, he has played the most minutes this season. That does not surprise me because he is always available, whether in the centre of midfield or centre back.

“With the class and quality of the player you want him in the team every minute. That is why he has the armband at Leeds as well.”

Ampadu’s Leeds team-mates Rodon and Connor Roberts have both withdrawn from the Wales squad for the two friendly internationals, having featured in Leeds’ Championship play-off final defeat by Southampton.

Dan James who was also in the Leeds’ side at Wembley is still available and Page has no doubts he and Ampadu will be ready for Wales duty this week.

“They will be bitterly disappointed finishing off the season in the manner they did,” said Page.

“Potentially going up automatically and having to deal with the play-offs is always hard and then to get to the final and losing it.

“But they are good lads, they are strong mentally and as disappointed as they will be they will be in the right frame of mind ready to go.”

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