Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has made an honest admission regarding Ethan Ampadu’s best position ahead of the new season....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The Welsh international has returned from a loan move at Venezia, and despite finishing bottom of the Serie A, Ampadu enjoyed success in Italy.
Making 29 appearances in the league, the 21-year-old played in a variety of roles, including in both midfield and defence.
He has now returned for pre-season with Chelsea and is looking to earn a place in Tuchel’s squad for next season, much like Trevoh Chalobah did last season for the Blues.
Ampadu took a step in the right direction, putting in a fine performance against Club America in the middle of a back three.
Speaking after the match, Tuchel heaped praise upon his youngster and continued to discuss where he best sees Ampadu fit into his squad this season if he is to stay.
As quoted by football.london, Tuchel admitted: “Ethan did very well, I think.
“The position is a good position for him in the middle of the back three. He played a lot of vertical passes and did not play left to right only.
“He played through the lines with his passes and dribbles. So he was very active, and it was a good match for him. He is training well.”
Having spent time away from Stamford Bridge at RB Leipzig, Sheffield United and Venezia, Ampadu has amassed 117 career appearances in club football.
At just 21-years-old, Ampadu has valuable experience across three different leagues, including in the Premier League.
This season could be the season that Chelsea fans get to see what the Welshman can do in their squad as he looks to not only earn his place in the Blues team but also looking forward to his spot in the national team for the 2022 World Cup.
With Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen departing this summer, spaces have opened up in the Chelsea backline.
Christensen was seen as a natural central centre back, providing competition for Thiago Silva last season.
Kalidou Koulibaly has joined the club from Napoli for £34 million and will add to the central defensive options, most likely as a starter for Tuchel.
It is now up to Ampadu to continue to impress in pre-season as the Blues face Charlotte FC and Arsenal ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League season.
Chelsea will likely add reinforcements in defence, but with Ampadu’s versatility, being able to play in both midfield and at wing-back too, he could prove to be a smart option for Tuchel going forward.
