Chelsea legend Pat Nevin says that Ethan Ampadu’s recent performance against the Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League for Wales is proof that he will become a starter for the Blues in the future.
Ampadu was adjudged man of the match for his sublime performance during his first ever competitive start for Wales against Ireland on Thursday.
The Chelsea youngster impressed with his ability to break down play and keep the ball moving with his exquisite range of passing as Ryan Giggs’ side cruised to a 4-1 win over their counterparts on the night.
The 17-year-old was a regular member of Chelsea’s pre-season adventures under Maurizio Sarri and impressed whenever he was deployed at the heart of the Blues’ defence.
Nevin, who spent around five seasons in London with Chelsea, has claimed that the youngster is close to featuring regularly for the senior team at Stamford Bridge.
“Maybe the most obvious example of what you need to be however is now being shown by Ethan Ampadu”, Nevin wrote in his column on the club’s official website.
“He joined Chelsea from Exeter at the beginning of last season and was our little secret for a short while but anyone who watched his midfield performance for Wales against Ireland will know that the cat is well and truly out of the bag.
“Against international players he absolutely bossed the game and was arguably the best player on the field.
“He was exactly the same but this time playing at centre-back in his last outing for Chelsea, against Lyon in the pre-season game.
“Ethan is however only 17, he can play in those two vital positions comfortably already at a very high level.
“His attitude and demeanour suggest it maybe isn’t a question of if he will be a regular starter for the Blues, but rather when he will be”, he concluded.
Ampadu was awarded his senior team debut by Antonio Conte last season and has been touted as one of the crown jewels of Chelsea’s well-regarded academy.
