Ethan Ampadu: Chelsea’s teen sensation who could have starred for Arsenal and is now set to go on loan
The 17-year-old has already impressed Antonio Conte and he played 90 minutes in the 4-0 FA Cup victory over Hull and against Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann at the Stade de France
ETHAN AMPADU has long been known as one of Chelsea's future superstars.
The easily recognisable 18-year-old was initially known for his striking resemblance to team-mate David Luiz — but now he's making a name for himself.
Ampadu, a versatile player who can play in defence or midfield, has already shown new boss Frank Lampard his ability in pre-season friendlies.
But Lampard is reportedly looking to send the Wales international out on loan this season to gain experience, with Aston Villa said to be interested.
Ampadu comes from a footballing family – his dad Kwame played for Swansea, West Brom, Leyton Orient and Newport County, but he began his career at Arsenal.
IN THE GENES
Ampadu raised eyebrows both at Chelsea's Cobham training ground and at the FAW's first team hotel at the Vale of Glamorgan near Cardiff.
Ampadu was gently introduced to the first team fold with Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and the Euro 2016 stars.
Given he has an English-born dad who played for Ireland Under-21s, you would think Wales have pulled a fast one on getting him onboard.
But the Exeter-born starlet's mother is from Wales, and he made his international debut at the Stade de France in Les Bleus' 2-0 win over the Welsh in an international friendly.
Can Ethan Ampadu play for England?
PHOTOS of Ampadu have emerged of him playing in an England shirt playing for the Three Lions against the United States at St George’s Park.
That prompted fans to question why he hasn't chosen Gareth Southgate's side over Ryan Giggs'.
Under Fifa rules, Ampadu is still technically eligible to play for England, until he plays a competitive game for Wales.
But after experiencing both nations' age-group football, Ampadu opted for the latter.
He told Sgorio in January: “I will be hanging around with Wales.
“I first got invited to an Under-16 camp with Wales, I went along with that and I just enjoyed it from the very first moment.
“I though Wales would be the one. The togetherness, throughout all the age groups, is a good atmosphere.”
FAW technical director Osian Roberts said that Ampadu, along with Liverpool’s Ben Woodburn and Sheffield United’s David Brooks, would turn their backs on England.
He said: “They are Welsh players, simple as. No story there. They are Welsh players. End of.”
He then got his first start a few days later in a friendly clash with Panama.
But thanks to dad Kwame's links with the club, he broke records at Exeter City before heading up the M3 to Cobham.
He broke a club record at St James Park when he became the club's youngest first-team player in 87 years when he started in the League Cup tie against Brentford aged 15 years, 10 months and 26 days old.
And incredibly he was named man of the match in a 1-0 extra time victory.
He joined Chelsea in the summer of 2017, making his Blues debut in the League Cup clash against Nottingham Forest, where he came on for Cesc Fabregas in midfield. Not bad company.
JUMPING FOR JOY
You might wonder why Ampadu is also considered a hot tip for centre-back, but first and foremost just look at his vertical jump.
According to Chelsea's website he is 5ft 9½in and 11st 3lb – and surely still growing – but his vertical jump appears far greater than that of his opponents.
That allows him to head the ball so much more cleanly than his rival players.
Meanwhile, he is good in the tackle, wins the ball well and has good anticipation – all the basic traits you would want from a central defender at a Premier League club.
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But he has regularly played in central midfield and has the eye for a pass, gets his head up and makes smart decisions.
He can clip long balls and make short passes.
Ampadu could be in line for a starting berth in Ryan Giggs' team, with Joe Ledley now in his early 30s.
Wales captain Ashley Williams said: "I wasn't going to retire until I saw Ethan Ampadu in Portugal. He's something else.
"I was watching him at the other and I thought 'this kid is unbelievable.' He's so young but if he carries on the sky is the limit for him. Definitely."
Wherever Ampadu ends up this summer, Chelsea will see him as a Stamford Bridge star of the future.