British press reacts to Ethan Ampadu display as Leeds United midfielder plays v Latvia

Ethan Ampadu of Leeds United was named Wales’ top performer in their 2-0 Euro 2024 qualifying win away to Latvia.

In center midfield, the 21-year-old played the entire 90 minutes alongside the inexperienced – but as excellent – Jordan James.

Ampadu was assured throughout as Wales kick-started their qualifying hopes with a battling victory in Riga on Monday [11 September].

The former Chelsea star, who was making his 46th appearance for his country, thrilled the British press.

Wales Online rated Ampadu a 9/10, and reporter Glen Williams added [11 September]: “Notable how progressive he was with his distribution, feeding [Aaron] Ramsey, [Harry] Wilson, and [Brennan] Johnson in particular with accuracy and ease.”

“I sent Johnson through early on with a great pass. Excellent defensively as well.”

Ampadu squandered a few chances, but he largely impressed out in the center of the field.

On BBC Sport’s live blog [11 September], Ian Mitchelmore said, “Jordan James and Ethan Ampadu have looked so composed in midfield.”

Long may it continue

Ampadu’s achievement of nearly half a century of caps for his country before the age of 22 is quite exceptional.

Not to mention the nearly 100 appearances he has made in the Premier League, Serie A, and the Bundesliga.

Leeds managed to sign Ampadu for roughly £7 million, which appears to be a steal as time passes.

Seeing the Welshman excel on international duty can only be a good thing, but the most important thing is that he returns fit.

He should be raring to go against Millwall next weekend after playing 135 minutes against Latvia and South Korea.

Leeds will have no trouble winning the midfield battle at The Den if he can reproduce his performance against Latvia.