Tim Sherwood tells Tottenham Hotspur which Leeds United player they could have done with having in their ranks
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Tim Sherwood has identified Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu as a player Tottenham Hotspur could have done with this season.
It has been a dreadful season for Spurs, who sit precariously in the Premier League relegation zone with five games to go.
They are one point adrift of 17th-placed West Ham United and a staggering eight points behind 15th-placed Leeds.
Tim Sherwood lauds Leeds United star
Sherwood, who has represented Spurs as a player, coach and manager, has lauded midfield anchor Ampadu as someone who would have benefited Leeds’ rivals.
He told Sky Sports News: “Looking through their (Leeds’) group of players, at the beginning of the season, would Tottenham have taken many of them? I would have said no.
“But in hindsight, now, when you look at it, you look at someone like Ethan Ampadu, who looks to me like not only a good player, he’s a very, very good player, but he’s also a leader.
“He’s someone who wants to stand up. He’s not old but he’s got a lot of experience, he drives his teammates forward and that is what you need in this situation, you need someone willing to stand up and pull others in the correct direction with you and that’s what Ethan Ampadu has done. He’s not alone but he is dragging them to safety in this league.”
Ethan Ampadu’s time at Leeds United
Ampadu joined Leeds from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 after the Whites suffered relegation from the Premier League. He had been regularly loaned out by the Blues, finding competition for minutes stiff within the Stamford Bridge ranks.
The 25-year-old has blossomed in West Yorkshire, endearing himself to the Elland Road faithful with his whole-hearted approach and technical quality. The Wales international has made a total of 120 appearances for the club, scoring on three occasions.
He is player who would most likely attract interest if Leeds tumbled out of the Premier League, but Farke will be hopeful of keeping his captain if survival is secured.
Sherwood believes a win over Burnley on May 1 will make sure of Leeds’ safety.
He said: “Daniel Farke has done an absolutely magnificent job. To win at Old Trafford, to go there with Manchester United doing so well, and to get that result, in the manner of how they played...
“I think that win against Burnley, which will come up, will be them over the line.”