Ethan Ampadu

Key strength: Ball retention

Deep-lying playmaker

In a season where Leeds United teeter precariously in 15th place, every point feels like a battle for Premier League survival. Amidst this chaos, Ethan Ampadu has become the immovable object around which Daniel Farke's side pivots. The 25-year-old Welsh international has been virtually ever-present, logging an extraordinary 3,137 minutes across 35 appearances—testament to his indispensability at the base of midfield. Wearing the #4 shirt, Ampadu operates as a deep-lying playmaker, his 70-rated passing knitting together Leeds' transitions while his positional intelligence shields a vulnerable backline. The stats sheet may read just 1 goal and 1 assist, but his true worth lies in the gritty work: breaking up attacks, recycling possession, and absorbing pressure. Those eight yellow cards tell their own story of a player willing to do the dirty work. Signed from Chelsea in 2023 for £10 million, Ampadu's market value has since surged to €30 million—a remarkable 200% increase that reflects his transformation from prospect to pillar. With a contract until 2027, he represents both Leeds' immediate survival hopes and their long-term foundation. As the Whites fight tooth and nail to preserve their top-flight status, Ampadu's metronomic presence may prove the difference between glory and the drop.