Michael Bridges has admitted he is baffled and desperate for a private chat with Ethan Ampadu after being stunned by a dramatic, unexpected transformation in the midfielder’s game at Leeds United.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Official Leeds United Podcast alongside fellow icon Stuart Dallas and current defender Jayden Bogle, Bridges revealed he was completely taken aback by Ampadu’s newfound ability to launch long throws into the penalty box.

Michael Bridges blown away by Ethan Ampadu’s long throw transformation

Bridges didn’t hold back when describing his initial shock at watching Ampadu’s technique evolve during pre-season preparations ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, noting how drastically the Welshman’s power and distance have improved.

He used to have the shortest long throw I’ve ever seen. What’s he worked on? Now he can launch that ball like you wouldn’t believe. I mean, when he first started, it was just like *mimics struggling throw*. He must have been throwing medicine balls because when I saw him in pre-season, I went, ‘What?’

The sudden upgrade has even caught Leeds United players off guard. Ampadu has previously spoken about being “battered” by the Elland Road faithful when he initially struggled to generate distance from wide throw-in routines.

However, those teething problems have evaporated, culminating in devastating long-throw assists during pre-season fixtures, including a memorable 4-2 victory over Liverpool, where Brenden Aaronson noted the extra velocity on the ball. It is clear that Bridges also quickly took note.

Jayden Bogle reveals what Ethan Ampadu has been doing in Leeds United training

When pressed on how the transformation happened behind closed doors at Thorp Arch, Leeds United teammate Bogle confessed that even the dressing room is left guessing. With the EFL enforcing strict rules that have stripped away the use of drying towels on the touchline, Ampadu has had to master the skill entirely raw.

I have no idea. They’ve taken towels away now though, haven’t they? We’re not allowed to use towels. He doesn’t really do anything crazy. He’ll throw a few after training, but he hasn’t done any mad program or anything that I’m aware of. He’s just turned into a long throw genius.

With Ampadu now adding a potent long-range missile to Daniel Farke’s tactical setup, Bridges made it clear he intends to interrogate the skipper at the first available opportunity.

I cannot wait to have another chat with him because he’s been doing something.

In August, after Leeds United played out a 1-1 draw with Brentford at Elland Road three games into the season, Sky Sports noted that Ampadu (139) is only behind Michael Kayode for total number of long throws into the box since the start of last season. At the time, the Whites captain had delivered more throws leading to shots (53), while also setting up five goals.