Leeds United have plenty to celebrate after returning to the Premier League and establishing themselves among the division's competitive sides. Daniel Farke needed tactical adjustments, while several important players had to prove their quality against stronger opposition. The club invested more than £100 million in new signings, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach, Noah Okafor and Jaka Bijol.
Those arrivals strengthened key positions, but the contribution of established players proved just as important. Ethan Ampadu became a central figure in Leeds' midfield, combining defensive discipline with leadership and energy. His regular appearances helped Farke maintain consistency during a demanding campaign.
Former Wales international Rob Earnshaw has now praised Ampadu's development, suggesting the midfielder has more to offer. Speaking during BBC coverage of Wales against Denmark, Earnshaw highlighted his influence on Leeds' pressing, intensity and ability to recover possession.
He added that Ampadu was becoming an experienced figure for Wales, someone his teammates could trust in difficult moments. Earnshaw then compared his potential with Harry Wilson's progress, arguing that Ampadu could reach a similarly impressive standard in the Premier League.
"I think he's had one outstanding year," Earnshaw said during BBCs coverage of Wales vs Denmark.
"If you look at Leeds in the last year, their improvements and everything good that comes from Leeds and their energy and pressing and winning the ball back. He's involved with that.
"With Wales, he's now becoming the experienced one, the one you can rely on."
"I actually think there are more levels to Ethan Ampadu. I think he can really go to a new level.
"We saw Harry Wilson last year. What an outstanding year, and everybody saw he's one of the best players in the Premier League. I think Ethan Ampadu can get to those levels; there's more to come."
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 09: Ethan Ampadu of Leeds United arrives at the stadium before the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on September 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Farke's tactical decisions will play a major role in determining how far Ampadu progresses. A back-three system can give Leeds greater defensive security, while wing-backs provide width and allow midfielders to concentrate on winning possession and controlling transitions.
Calvert-Lewin offers a different dimension in attack through his aerial ability, physical presence and pressing. His movement can create space for supporting forwards, while Stach and Ampadu can help Leeds recover second balls and launch attacks quickly. However, the system requires disciplined positioning, particularly when opponents bypass the initial press.
Ampadu's value extends beyond tackles and interceptions. His reading of danger, distribution under pressure and communication help Leeds maintain their shape. Playing alongside a mobile midfielder such as Ao Tanaka could allow him to protect the defence without carrying every midfield responsibility himself.
Leeds should build their next phase around Ampadu rather than entertain speculative transfer valuations. Earnshaw's assessment makes sense because the captain already understands Farke's demands and has demonstrated that he can handle Premier League football. However, reaching the division's highest midfield bracket will require greater consistency in possession, sharper forward passing and continued defensive reliability against elite opposition.
Calvert-Lewin can improve the attack, but Ampadu gives the team its balance. If Leeds maintain that balance while improving their chance creation, their ambitions can grow without placing unrealistic expectations on one player.
