Ethan Ampadu has been praised by Ryan Giggs following Wales’ 4-1 thrashing of the Republic of Ireland in the opening game of their UEFA Nations League campaign.
Ampadu was given his first start for the Dragons by Giggs, partnering Joe Allen in midfield, and the teenager produced what many has called a man-of-the-match performance in Cardiff. The 17-year-old capped a 66-minute outing with an assist for Wales third goal scored by Aaron Ramsey.
In addition to that, his assured display in the middle of the pitch has got many gushing, including his national team head coach Giggs, who predicted a magnificent future ahead of the highly-rated teenager. “Ethan is a talent, not only as a player, but as a person. He is so measured and mature and takes it all in his stride,” said Giggs. “He’ll be a magnificent player. I am really pleased for him.”
Ethan Ampadu's game by numbers vs. the Republic of Ireland:
66 minutes
45 touches
3 tackles won
2 aerial duels won
2 interceptions
2 clearances
1 assistMature beyond his years. ? pic.twitter.com/Isu27Ybkr8
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 6, 2018
Apart from the Wales national setup, the former Exeter youth player is also highly regarded at club level. During the Blues’ preseason tour, Ampadu featured prominently under Blues head coach Maurizio Sarri. Despite having just arrived in late July, the former Napoli schemer was so impressed with the versatile youngster, who could also play as a central defender, that he reportedly blocked a season-long loan move for Ampadu in order for the Wales star to spend significant time with the Chelsea first-team.
Despite not yet having featured for the Blues in the new campaign, the 17-year-old has been included by Sarri in the West London side’s Europa League squad, where Ampadu is largely expected to gain first-team opportunities. The Chelsea head coach is not only the youngster’s admirer at the club with David Luiz having recently showered praises on Ampadu as well. The Brazilian defender, who partnered the youngster in most of Chelsea’s preseason games, said his similarly big-haired teammate is already mature beyond his years.
