What Ethan Ampadu has nicknamed Glen Kamara in the Leeds United dressing room this season

Both were part of a major overhaul of the midfield at Elland Road last summer when Tyler Adams, Marc Roca, Weston McKennie and Adam Forshaw all departed following relegation.

Ampadu and Kamara were two key targets for Daniel Farke following his appointment, who also looked to bring Werder Bremen’s Ilia Gruev and Archie Gray’s blood into the first team.

The former has had to step in at centre-back since the start of the New Year due to Pascal Struijk’s injury, but they clearly have a good relationship on and off the pitch.

What Ampadu nicknamed Kamara backstage at Leeds

Kamara is still waiting for his first goal for Leeds since arriving from Rangers, although that is unlikely to happen soon if he doesn’t start firing. Incredibly, he had just five shots in 37 league appearances for the Whites.

Although it can be frustrating at times, that’s not what Kamara is for and he offers a lot that makes Leeds a better side when he’s in it.

Having completed 92.7% of his attempts since 1949 (FBref), Kamara is brilliant at keeping the ball. His link-up play on the left with Crysencio Summerville and Junior Firpo has also become a big part of how Leeds attack.

However, perhaps the most appealing trait Kamara possesses is his ability to dribble out of pressure situations with quick body swoops and little Cruyf.

It’s clearly something his Leeds team-mates have recognised, with the Yorkshire Evening Post reporting that Ampadu has even reserved a special nickname for him behind the scenes.

The Welshman is said to have labeled Kamara “snake hips” due to his ability to get out of danger when you least expect it.

Leeds need a replay of Kamara’s performance at Norwich City in the play-off final

With Leeds’ play-off final opponents Southampton very much a possession-based side, Kamara will need to be at his best at Wembley.

After earning man of the match in the semi-final first leg tie with Norwich City, the 28-year-old then completely dominated the midfield in the return leg.

Leeds are likely to see less of the ball against Saints and so the onus will be on Kamara – as the Whites’ most effective player in possession – to ensure they are effective when they get it.

Furthermore, as shown by Will Smallbone’s goals in both league games against Leeds and the play-off semi-final against West Bromwich Albion, he is very strong on those late midfield runs into the box.

Kamara will need to make sure he’s on at all times to keep those from being a problem.

Similar topics