Six Leeds United players were involved in some capacity for their respective countries on international duty on Monday evening.
The beginning of this week represents a busy couple of days for Daniel Farke‘s squad ahead of the weekend match against Burnley as five more players round-off the first international break of the season.
Manor Solomon, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow, Charlie Crew and Max Wober were the six in action last night, though not everyone got onto the field of play.
Solomon played 90 minutes for Israel in their 2-1 defeat to Italy, with the way his minutes have been handled likely to have been a source of frustration for Farke.
Wober was an unused sub for Austria, while Ampadu, Rodon and Darlow all played 90 minutes for Wales in their win. The latter broke a 20-year Welsh record, on what was his full international debut.
Welsh media on Leeds pair Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon
Considering how many Welsh players there are in his squad, Farke will no doubt have been watching their game against Montenegro with every finger crossed for no injuries.
That is particularly when you consider how treacherous the conditions were, but the fact all three played 90 minutes hopefully means they return to Leeds with a clean bill of health.
Wales were playing just their second match under the management of Craig Bellamy and could not have asked for a better start as Kieffer Moore and Harry Wilson both scored inside the opening three minutes.
Despite a 73rd minute strike from Driton Camaj, Wales were able to hold on for Bellamy’s first win, with Rodon and Ampadu clearly playing an important role in seeing it out.
That said, the Wales Online weren’t as impressed with the Leeds duo’s performance as in Friday’s 0-0 draw against Turkey, with Rodon even slightly criticised for his role in Montenegro’s goal.
They wrote: “Joe Rodon 7 – Made some really good tackles and clearances to keep his side in it. However, was perhaps done a little too easily in the build-up to Montenegro’s goal.
“Ethan Ampadu 6 – Made some decent contributions defensively, but just wasn’t as influential as normal.”
Rodon and Ampadu returning healthy to Leeds
Unfortunately Ampadu and Rodon are both absolutely vital for Wales and so unless they are playing some international minnows, they start every match.
Thankfully, though, it would appear both will return to Leeds in the next 24 hours fully fit, which is all that matters for Farke.
Leeds face a huge match at the top of the Championship against Burnley this weekend and could not have afforded to be without them.
Let’s hope those in action today are also able to report back to West Yorkshire without any issues.
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