Wales is set to witness a leadership change as Ethan Ampadu prepares to replace Ben Davies as captain for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. This shift comes after Davies was ruled out of the matches due to injury.
Ethan Ampadu’s Rising Leadership
Ethan Ampadu has been captain at Leeds United since July 2024. His leadership skills have drawn praise from his teammate Joe Rodon. Rodon emphasized Ampadu’s maturity and his ability to inspire teammates both on and off the field. “He’s very mature at that young age, which is rare,” Rodon stated.
Rodon, who has played alongside Ampadu at Leeds and for the Welsh national team, noted that the 25-year-old has developed significantly as a leader. He added, “He can go to any player in any group and just be comfortable; they all gravitate towards him.”
Upcoming Matches and Team Dynamics
Wales will face Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in their final qualifying matches. Josh Rodon, another key player, will help bolster the defense, especially since they are missing both Davies and Swansea’s Ben Cabango.
- Upcoming matches:
- Against Liechtenstein
- Against North Macedonia
- Missing players:
- Ben Davies
- Ben Cabango
Rodon has played consistently, with 97 consecutive league matches for Leeds. He is keen on maintaining this form and contributing to the team’s success during this critical period.
Rodon’s Evolving Role
Beyond his defensive capabilities, Rodon has emerged as an offensive threat during set-piece situations. He scored his first international goal during a 3-0 victory over Liechtenstein in June and netted twice against Belgium last month. He also scored for Leeds against Bournemouth and West Ham this season.
Rodon stated, “I knew that was something I wanted to add to my game. Over the last six months, it’s been successful.” This development showcases Rodon’s commitment to improving his overall game and contributing to the team’s chances in the qualifiers.
As Wales prepares for these crucial matches, the players are determined to work together and deliver strong performances. With Ampadu leading and Rodon stepping up, the team looks forward to securing a more favorable playoff draw.
