Yesterday, we saw the birth of a star. Wales’ 4-1 victory over Ireland was impressive, but even more impressive was 17-year-old youngster Ethan Ampadu.
Ethan Ampadu
The dreadlocks and moustache don’t do it justice. Ethan Ampadu is the real deal. Chelsea’s youngster was given the nod ahead of former Wales captain Joe Ledley by new manager Ryan Giggs and the move paid off dividends. Wise beyond his age, Ampadu patrolled the midfield, directly set up Wales’ third goal scored by Aaron Ramsey and was also involved in the build-up for Tom Lawrence’s opener.
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Ex-Ireland defender Phil Babb, who covered the game for Sky Sports as a commentator, was left impressed by Ampadu’s stunning display.
“He could have been playing in slippers, he was that good. He was like a Rolls-Royce in midfield.
“He’s got composure beyond his years.
“He’s got the build, the physique.
“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.
Ampadu was so good last night that people are talking about him rather than Wales’ surprisingly convincing 4-1 victory under the guidance of national legend Ryan Giggs. The manager was full of praise as well.
“Ethan is a talented player. Even more so than that, as a person, he’s so balanced and mature for such a young player. He’ll be a magnificent player.”
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Ampadu is yet to impress Sarri
Ampadu featured regularly in pre-season but hasn’t made an appearance for Maurizio Sarri’s team in Chelsea’s four wins to start the new campaign. In general, he has seen just ten minutes of Premier League action since joining from Exeter City in July 2017, but that didn’t stop him from demonstrating his colossal potential for The Dragons.
Ethan Ampadu turns 18 next week and should be given more opportunities at Chelsea as the season wears on. Keep an eye on him. He’s equally good, if not better than his Arsenal look-alike Matteo Guendouzi. As Phil Babb said:
“The world is his oyster,”