Sky Sports pundit Keith Andrew raved about Chelsea teenager Ethan Ampadu after he impressed for Wales during their 4-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland.
The 37-year-old, who was on commentary for the international clash, compared the 17-year-old to a Rolls-Royce and claimed that he had tons of awareness despite his young age.
“He was like a Rolls-Royce in midfield,” Andrews stated, as quoted by Sky Sports’ website.
“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.”
Ampadu, who is naturally a centre-back but started in midfield for Ryan Giggs’ side, has only featured seven times for the Blues’ first-team during his career and is yet to make an appearances this season.
OPINION
It seems Andrews believes the rarely-seen Chelsea defender has all the tools needed to dominate a midfield for his side. The pundit seems convinced that the teenager would stroll it in midfield for Wales due to his ability and it’s not hard to think that the pundit probably thinks the same if the Blues opted to deploy him as a midfielder. The teenage talent has the world at his feet and hopefully the Blues unleash him on a regular basis in the future. However given that Maurizio Sarri’s side is packed with top-quality talent then perhaps the best case scenario for the youngster is to secure a loan move away in January. If exposed to regularly competitive senior football than his development would greatly benefit as he will learn from his experience. Given his latest display for Wales then it’s very likely that host of Championship clubs will be banging down the door to win the race to borrow his services in January and the Blues shouldn’t block his temporary exit.