Joel Piroe sends message to Ethan Ampadu after Leeds win v Sunderland
18/02/2025 18:00
Joel Piroe sent a message via social media to the Leeds United captain following a smash-and-grab 2-1 win over Sunderland on Monday.
Ethan Ampadu has played a vital role in Daniel farke’s squad since his £7million move from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, deputising as a midfielder as well as in the centre of defence.
The Welshman more often than not has found himself partnered up with Joe Rodon as the centre-back duo, especially with Pascal Struijk finding himself on the Leeds bench after injury.
While he is clearly a very gifted player, one who already has 54 international caps for Wales at the age of 24, he struggled somewhat against the Black Cats on 17 February.
He was at the very centre of blame as Wilson Isidor notched the visitors ahead at Elland Road, which could have been a major blow in their hunt for promotion had Struijk not popped up with a Leeds brace.
Joel Piroe and Ethan Ampadu struggle in Sunderland win
Piroe’s impact on the game was limited, at least until the final 20 minutes, when the Dutchman finally had his first shot of the game, joining Ampadu in an almost-torrid night for Leeds.
Taking to Instagram [18 February], Ampadu shared images of the post-match celebrations alongside the caption, “This TEAM!”.
Piroe simply replied: “Capitanoo,” with a fire emoji. Rodon and Fulham’s Harry Wilson also liked the post.
Leeds United stick together in the face of adversity
Football Insider verdict
It could have been very easy for the Whites to lose hope, having limited chances against Regis Le Bris’ side throughout the 90 minutes at Elland Road.
Inspired substitutions by Farke look to have turned the game completely on its head, with Joe Rothwell and Struijk teaming up to score both goals for the home side.
All three points for Leeds moves them back to the top of the Championship table, two points clear of Sheffield United and seven points above Burnley.
With so many difficult match-ups in the second tier of English football, there is always the chance for even the best of players to have a poor game, and that is exactly what it was for Ampadu compared to his usual standards.
It is all about how those strugglers bounce back and perform in the next match, and with that being a huge clash with the Blades, Farke needs his biggest names to step out of the shadows.
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