Ampadu became Leeds captain two years ago after initially serving as vice-captain to Liam Cooper.
The midfielder has since established himself as manager Daniel Farke's principal leader on the pitch and is rarely rested when fit.
Since joining Leeds United, Ampadu has missed only 22 of 155 matches, demonstrating how consistently Farke has relied upon him.
For Gray, however, the qualities that make Ampadu a captain go beyond his availability or performances in possession.
“I don't know him personally, so I don't know what he's like around the dressing room but even if he's not involved in the game himself a lot, he seems to be directing others,” Gray told the Yorkshire Post.
“That's an important thing.”
Gray, who has represented Leeds as a player, coach and manager and now serves as an ambassador, believes Ampadu's influence is particularly obvious when watching him from the stands.
“When you watch him play, he's not on the ball all the time. You never see him having a shot at goal,” Gray explained.
“But he directs the rest of the team.”
That ability to organise those around him is, in Gray's view, one of Ampadu's defining strengths.
“That's his great strength. I think that's what the manager appreciates and the rest of the players appreciate that,” he said.
Leadership on the pitch can sometimes be difficult to quantify, particularly for a midfielder whose role is often based on positioning, defensive awareness and keeping the team organised.
Gray believes Ampadu's willingness to communicate gives his teammates confidence.
“That's an important thing for the rest of the players to listen to somebody on the football pitch and have confidence in his ability to be right,” he said.
That relationship between captain and manager also helps explain why Ampadu has become such a consistent presence under Farke.
“That's probably what Daniel sees in him,” Gray said.
“That's why he's captain.”
Ampadu's role has grown significantly since arriving at Leeds, and his leadership has become just as important to the team as his ability to play in midfield.
Gray's comments suggest that the Wales international's influence is not necessarily measured by spectacular moments with the ball.
Instead, it is his constant communication, organisation and willingness to take responsibility for those around him that have made him Farke's choice as captain.