The outbursts of Ampadu and Rodon say it all about Leeds United’s next big project under Farke

It’s literally impossible to talk about Charlie Crew without mentioning Ethan Ampadu. The Leeds United midfielders have bonded over their shared beliefs of club and country, the latter only too happy to keep the former under control too.

While LeedsLive speak to the 18-year-old in Germany after a particularly sweaty opening training session, Ampadu can’t help but chime in from the background. Joe Rodon is also there for the full Welsh press: “Keep Chaz out of the media”.

Ampadu is really joking. Crew can’t do interviews in English because he doesn’t know the language, it’s Welsh or nothing. The young man smiles and takes her in stride. James Debayo received similar treatment through his own media duties. It’s all part of finding their footing in senior football.

The connection with Ampadu is clear to see. Crew said: “From the first session I walked in, he was right next to me with his arm around my shoulder, encouraging me, looking after me, telling me what to do, giving me praise, telling me what to do better Right from the start it was excellent. He’s definitely someone I look up to.”

Crew is just three months younger than Archie Gray, but despite his star potential, he’s been somewhat overshadowed by his former teammate so far. Gray’s rise is well documented, but the Crew will hope that with a more settled routine in the first-team set-up, he can look to emulate his friend.

Glen Kamara’s departure has made room in Daniel Farke’s engine room and Crew says he is backing himself to be ready for Championship football if the manager gives him the chance. His most likely partners would be Ampadu, Ilia Gruev or Joe Rothwell. They all made an impression on the teenager.

“We already have a close bond, me and Ethan being Welsh and then Ilia helped me settle in very quickly,” he said. “Joe comes in, straight away you can see the player he is, so obviously he helps you straight away.”

When asked to describe himself as a player for those fans who haven’t seen much of him, Crew says he is composed on the ball, looks for forward passes, has technical attributes and does well on the pitch.

He knows Farke will be the ultimate judge, but Gray’s progress and Crew’s steady rise, including matchday inclusion last season, has encouraged the Cardiff native.

“Last year he (Farke) showed me there was a chance,” he said. “Obviously, we’ve seen with Archie as well, there’s definitely a way. That gives you hope and confidence to go into a season and give it your all because you know there’s a chance you’ll have a chance.”