Ethan Ampadu possesses a vital skill that Leeds United is not fully utilizing. As they prepare to face Aston Villa on Sunday, the pressure intensifies on manager Daniel Farke. A loss could jeopardize his position, making this match critical in their pursuit of three points.
Leeds Must Leverage Ampadu’s Long Throws
Leeds has surprisingly overlooked Ampadu’s long throw-in capacity. In modern football, long throws have reemerged as a tactical weapon, especially for teams near the bottom of the Premier League. However, Leeds has not capitalized on this opportunity during matches.
Comparative Long Throw Statistics
- Michael Kayode (Brentford) has executed 54 long throws.
- Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) has made 46 long throws.
- Ethan Ampadu has only attempted 21 long throws for Leeds.
Ampadu averages 29.7 meters with his throws, ranking him second in distance among Premier League players. Michael Kayode leads with an impressive average of 33.2 meters, raising questions about Leeds’ reluctance to use this advantage more frequently.
General Weakness in Set-Piece Execution
Beyond long throws, Leeds has struggled with set-piece effectiveness. Since April, they have managed only three goals from corners, with just one coming directly from the kick. This highlights a significant weakness in their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Need for Better Utilization of Player Skills
Joe Rodon has demonstrated his aerial prowess this season. It is essential for Leeds to maximize his skills during corners and throw-ins to enhance their scoring potential. Ignoring this weakness could prove detrimental to Farke’s chances of maintaining his role at Elland Road.
As Leeds faces a crucial period in the season, effective use of set-pieces and Ampadu’s long throws could be pivotal. Addressing these tactical oversights may provide the team with the edge needed to secure vital points and protect Farke’s management position.
