Speaking exclusively to This Is Futbol, former Sheffield United striker Brian Deane believes Ethan Ampadu must settle on one position going forward.
Ampadu, who has spent the season on loan at United from Chelsea, has been used in both midfield and defence.
It was also a similar story during his breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge under Antonio Conte, with the Italian utilising him as a centre-back and defensive midfielder in the cup competitions.
Would you take Ampadu back at the club?
Yes
No
For Deane, though, it is not something that can keep going on, with the retired Premier League footballer feeling that the 20-year-old needs to pick one position for the good of his development.
On Ampadu and his loan spell at Bramall Lane, Deane told TIF:
“He’s played centre-back, he’s played in midfield. I think at some point they have to make a decision or he has to make a decision where he wants to play.
“In a team with better players around him, it’s going to be easier for him to develop. I think he’s been in crisis mode, as everybody at Sheffield United has been this season, so very difficult to judge him.”
While it is still not clear where Ampadu’s best position is, there is certainly no doubting his talent.
Fans got a real glimpse of it last season when he starred in RB Leipzig’s 1-0 win over Tottenham in the Champions League, with his leadership skills, despite being so young, something that Gary Lineker picked up on particularly.