In Focus: Amp could help Poch spark Blues into life

Ethan Ampadu faces an uncertain future at Chelsea after spending the last four seasons out on loan. 

The Wales international, 22, joined the Blues from boyhood club Exeter in 2017 but has made just 12 first-team appearances in West London.

Ampadu spent the 2022-23 campaign at Spezia where he enjoyed regular game time — and also suffered the third relegation of his young career.

Ahead of the Dragons' Euro 2024 qualifier in Turkey tonight, we take a look at whether Mauricio Pochettino should hand the versatile youngster more opportunities at Stamford Bridge next season.

Ethan do it all

Ampadu, whose current deal expires in 2024, is a centre-back by trade but is more than capable of operating in defensive midfield or at right-back.

His versatility could be an important weapon for Pochettino next season, with a number of players set to exit Chelsea this summer. 

N'Golo Kante has already agreed to join Al-Ittihad, while fellow midfielders Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher are all being linked with moves away too.

At the back, Kalidou Koulibaly is on the verge of his own switch to Saudi Arabia, which means the Blues will need reinforcements in both departments.

And the all-round package that is Ampadu could be a homegrown solution for the incoming manager.

Promising signs

Despite Spezia dropping down to Serie B after losing a relegation play-off against Hellas Verona, Ampadu enjoyed a decent 2022-23 season overall.

The Welshman made 32 appearances in the Italian top flight, notching one goal and one assist. 

But it was defensively where he shone. 

Ampadu ranked seventh in Serie A for possessions won in the defensive third (116), 16th for clearances (96), 26th for tackles (66) and 29th for interceptions (37). 

And while he only stands at 6ft 0in, the youngster is very strong in the air.

The Exeter-born ace made 61 headed clearances last term — the tenth-highest total in the division — and also won 64 aerial duels.

Passing encouragement

Ampadu further showcased his ability to play in midfield with his passing numbers at Spezia. 

The 22-year-old completed 1,278 passes with an accuracy of 81.82%. 

He had 2,027 touches of the ball as well, which places him in Italy's top 40 in both departments.

Thiago Silva was the only Chelsea player to complete more passes than Ampadu in 2022-23.

International regular

While he is yet to make a breakthrough at Chelsea, Ampadu is already well established on the international scene.

The No4 has made 43 appearances for Wales' senior side after debuting in 2017, earning a spot in his country's Euro 2020 and 2022 World Cup squads. 

So he is used to playing on the biggest stages in the sport, which means Premier League football should not faze him at all. 

Chelsea will likely spend big again this summer to try and right the wrongs of last season — but giving Ampadu a chance looks like it should be another important piece of Pochettino's rebuild.