Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has been urged to pay close attention to youngster Ethan Ampadu after his impressive performance for Wales.
Despite not having being afforded an opportunity for Chelsea this season, Wales boss Ryan Giggs has no doubts of the youngsters abilities, giving him his third international cap in Wales’ 4-1 UEFA Nations League victory Ireland.
Despite plying his trade for the Blues in the centre of defence, Giggs got his managerial career underway by playing Ampadu in a central midfield role, with the 17-year-old putting in a commanding display. His performance for Wales left former Liverpool and Ireland defender Phil Babb purring:
“He’s got composure beyond his years,” Babb said on Sky Sports.
“The world is his oyster. I think Maurizio Sarri has to look at him and say ‘wow – what a player I’ve got here’.
“He could have been playing in slippers, he was that good.”
Meanwhile, commentator Keith Andrews has suggested that he has all the attributes to be play in midfield:
“He was like a Rolls-Royce in midfield,” he said.
“He has so much awareness when picking the ball and where to go.
“When the full-backs went forward, he dropped back into the defence and doesn’t make rash decisions when in critical areas of the pitch.
“He’s got the build, the physique. Where is he going to play? I’d say if he’s that good in possession he’ll stroll it in midfield.
“It was a big call to leave Joe Ledley out but it shows the confidence Ryan Giggs has in him.”