Stuart Dallas, eh? They don’t come much better as far as Leeds United are concerned.
That goal away at Manchester City will always live long in the memory. Sadly, it was against the same opposition in which his football career came to an end.
In 2021/22, as usual, the Northern Irishman had played a crucial part for the Whites. However, as they lost 4-0 to City at home in May 2022, it was to be his final match in professional football.
He suffered a horrific leg break and was never able to recover. He cited “irreparable damage” to his knee when announcing his decision to retire in April 2024.
So, it’s only fitting that, with Leeds now back in the Premier League, they pay tribute to Dallas’ services.
How the current Leeds side are evoking memories of Stuart Dallas
Dallas was the ultimate professional. He was a leader, a warrior, a huge character and most importantly, a mighty fine footballer.
Most of all, he was known as Mr Versatile. The Northern Irishman’s versatility was like nothing we’ve ever seen at Elland Road before.
It’s remarkable to think that there were only three positions he never played in for Leeds: goalkeeper, centre-back and striker.
In the present day, Daniel Farke has a number of players who are malleable across a number of different roles. Take James Justin, for instance.
The former Leicester City man has played at centre-back, at right-back, at left-back and as a wing-back on both flanks.
Dallas wasn’t just about his versatility, though. At right-back, Jayden Bogle’s industrious and forward-thinking displays are a throwback to the Dallas era. He loved a goal; so does Bogle.
The way in which he can contribute in the final third despite playing in defence is very Dallas-like. Bogle scored twice and registered four assists last season.
Yet, from a leadership and professionalism perspective, there can only be one man to talk about here.
The new Dallas has officially emerged at Leeds
Dallas may not have played for Leeds for four years now, but he is still held in incredibly high regard by the fanbase at Elland Road.
That blend of versatility, leadership and integrity is something plenty of modern footballers can learn from.
Well, in the present day, it is not Justin, nor is it Bogle, who is most like Dallas. No, that honour goes to Ethan Ampadu.
In recent years, the recruitment work behind the scenes at Elland Road has largely been exceptional. However, forget about your Dominic Calvert-Lewins and your Noah Okafors for a moment because Ampadu is perhaps the best signing of the lot, particularly since Farke took over.
The fact that Ampadu was Leeds’ first signing under the current manager is poignant. He was the first to believe in the project, and he’s now the captain of the club.
|
Farke’s first transfer window at Leeds |
|
|---|---|
|
Player signed |
Transfer fee |
|
Ethan Ampadu |
£7m |
|
Karl Darlow |
Undisclosed |
|
Sam Byram |
Free |
|
Joel Piroe |
£10m |
|
Ilia Gruev |
£5m |
|
Glen Kamara |
£5m |
Signed to the tune of just £7m, the manager himself has even admitted that he is the club’s “most important player”.
He “deserves all the praise” admitted the German. So, why is he getting that acclaim?
Well, like Dallas, Ampadu is a model professional. He is a big voice in the dressing room and despite having played most of his football in midfield at Leeds, he’s also extremely versatile.
Throughout his career, the Welshman has been deployed at right-back and left-back, as well as at centre-back, in midfield and on the wing.
Sure, Leeds haven’t needed him to play in all of those roles, but it speaks volumes of the type of player Ampadu is. He’s adaptable, he’s malleable and he’s now worth a reported £50m too.
Unlike Dallas, the skipper is playing in a modern era where transfer fees have soared. If Elliot Anderson is worth £116m, if Enzo Fernandez is worth £125m, then Ampadu, one of the Premier League’s most consistent midfielders, is certainly worth a fair bit too.
He’s Farke’s voice on the pitch; he’s a warrior like Dallas, the type of character that will never let you down. That much has been clear since Leeds were promoted.
