17-year old Wales teenager Ethan Ampadu said that wants to impress Maurizio Sarri and get a place in Chelsea’s starting XI. Ampadu started in Wales’ UEFA Nations League opener against Republic of Ireland and provided an assist in an eventual 4-1 win for the Welsh. Apart from the assist, Ampadu was terrific in central midfield.
He played 67 minutes before being substituted. The win was a good start for Ryan Giggs as Wales manager.
Last season, Ampadu made 7 appearances at Chelsea. His Chelsea debut made him the first player born in the 2000s to play in Chelsea’s senior team.
Ampadu is yet to play a single match for Maurizio Sarri but he hopes to get into the squad soon.
Ampadu said, “You could say there’s been frustration on one hand, but at the same time I’m getting experience training with the players. I’m just trying to improve to get into the team. This season’s plans are this season’s plans and at the moment I’ve just to keep improving to try and get in the team. I want to show the manager what I can do.”
Ampadu was eligible to play for Wales, England, Ghana or Republic of Ireland. Before the match against Ireland, he could have switched his national team obligations but he didn’t. Hence, the match against Ireland removed all doubts pertaining to Ampadu’s international allegiance.
The Wales teenager said, “There was talk [about my future], but I’ve always been thinking about Wales. As you could see here I really enjoy playing for Wales, the atmosphere, and everything around it. I’ve always felt part of the set-up and the senior players and staff have helped that.
The older, more experienced players definitely help us settle in, and that gives us more confidence to go out on the pitch and express ourselves.”
