Jamie Carragher has been impressed by Leeds United, and in particular Ethan Ampadu has caught his eye in two instances vs Man Utd.
The Whites were held to a somewhat frustrating draw against Man Utd on Sunday afternoon as Dominic Calvert-Lewin restored parity after Bryan Mbeumo’s opener.
It’s a sign of Leeds’ progression that we come away from that draw disappointed that we didn’t get more. It wasn’t a vintage display, but we could’ve done more.
Jamie Carragher impressed by Ethan Ampadu involved in Leeds United 1-1 Man Utd
Michael Carrick’s tactical adjustments to cope with Leeds’ aerial threat were a key problem for us in the first half. Mbeumo’s opener came alongside a lack of clear-cut openings for the home side, as they opted for three centre-backs to cope with Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor.
However, problems persisted for the away side in their buildup, struggling for any consistency in playing through the lines. In contrast, Jamie Carragher highlighted Ethan Ampadu’s influence in helping Leeds get attacks moving with ease in the first half.
“Man United didn’t have or want the ball enough, poor clearance from the goalkeeper and now you see the lack of quality. No real idea, and a real fear or lack of confidence to get on the ball,” Carragher said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, dissecting both sides’ pressing and passing in the first half.
“We’ll flip it now and go to Leeds. Manchester United pressing now, somebody wants the ball; Ampadu gets on the ball, cool, calm and they get out. We didn’t see that from Man Utd’s midfield players.”
Then, Carragher was also impressed by Ampadu’s important contribution to the Whites’ equaliser. As Tarik Muharemovic won the first contact from Anton Stach’s corner, and Calvert-Lewin turned home, Ampadu was the man tasked with blocking Harry Maguire from winning the first header.
“And then Leeds get back into the game,” Carragher continued. “Set pieces, of course a big part of the Premier League.
“The big thing Leeds do is stop the best header of the ball for Man Utd. It’s Ampadu with Maguire. Then there’s the touch and finish from Calvert-Lewin, does really well to get over the ball.”
Ethan Ampadu continues to hold down Leeds United’s midfield with grit and elegance
It’s no shock that Carragher’s analysis at both ends of the pitch sees him praise Ampadu. He’s been absolutely exemplary in a Leeds shirt, and even in a somewhat quiet game, he was terrific again.
He’s fast becoming one of the best, or at least most underrated, Premier League midfielders around.
Ampadu showed both sides of the game against them lot. He got stuck in. And, while there might be complaints that Darren England kept his powder dry on booking the skipper for too long, he set the tone.
Not only was he aggressive without the ball, he shows that guile in possession too. A brilliant captain and midfielder to have at the heart of everything.
Darren England also ‘kept his powder dry’ for two clear fouls by persistent offender Maguire who pulled two Leeds players to the ground by their necks … both within the confines of the penalty area. Anywhere else on the park and they are both fouls with possible yellow cards, inside the penalty area, should they both be penalties? Watch the replays and decide for yourselves.