Leeds United’s Ethan Ampadu, now donning the captain’s armband, reveals that he draws inspiration from the leadership qualities exhibited by former Chelsea stalwarts Didier Drogba and John Terry.
For Ampadu, the influence of his former Chelsea teammates extends beyond the confines of Stamford Bridge, shaping his approach to leadership at Leeds United.
Reflecting on his admiration for Drogba and Terry, Ampadu remarked, “Growing up as a Chelsea fan, I would look up to John Terry and Didier Drogba. I was fortunate I was able to watch those two.”
While acknowledging the contrasting leadership styles of Drogba and Terry, Ampadu highlighted the impactful manner in which both players contributed to the team’s success.
“Didier wasn’t a captain like John was. It was the way he led the team through his performance rather than wearing the armband,” Ampadu noted, emphasizing the significance of leading by example on the pitch.
Ampadu’s journey as a leader unfolds naturally, with the midfielder or defender positioning himself at the heart of the action, influencing the team’s dynamics through his versatile gameplay.
“Being a leader comes naturally to me. Because of the position I play, either as a midfielder or defender, you’re in the middle of the pitch.
You try and help the team whichever way you can,” Ampadu explained, underlining his proactive approach to leadership.
As Leeds United navigates the challenges of the season, Ampadu’s leadership, inspired by the legacies of Drogba and Terry, serves as a guiding force for the team’s aspirations on and off the pitch.
With the captain’s armband as a symbol of responsibility, Ampadu continues to embody the essence of leadership ingrained by his Chelsea idols.