Ethan Ampadu admits he still has a lot to prove as he looks to become a permanent Premier League fixture after his loan move to Sheffield United.
The 19-year-old has undoubted talent and showed his poise and presence in a central defensive role in Wales’ Nations Cup victories over Finland and Bulgaria last week.
Ampadu can also operate comfortably in several positions in midfield though with his chances limited at Chelsea in the past couple of years has played just as many games for his country than his club.
But Ampadu, who spent time on loan at RB Leipzig last season, is hoping the move to the Blades will give him the regular first-time football he craves. He could make his debut for Chris Wilder’s side in their Premier League game against Wolves on Monday, his 20th birthday.
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“I’ve still got a lot to prove. I have to develop, to learn, to get stronger, to get better,” said Ampadu, who was 15 when he made his first-team debut for Exeter in 2016.
“I know I’ve not done a lot in the football world and want to do so much more, I can’t be too happy or excited yet because I’ve got a long way to go
“I back myself to be versatile and play a couple of positions, the positions I’ve spoken about with the manager suit my skills and I’m looking forward to showing what I can offer.
“That’s the aim, to try and play a lot of games. I just want to be able to show what I can do.
“I’m very excited to be here, when the chance came up I was very excited because of how well they did last year and then when I saw the place and met the gaffer. I think it’s the right move for me.
“I had good opinions about the place anyway but when he told me how he wants the team to play, I’m a player that can fit into that. I like to get on the ball and get the team playing, and I also like winning football games so I think it’ll suit me perfectly.
“I’m a footballer so I want to be on the pitch as much as possible so hopefully that can happen.”
As the son of a former professional footballer, it was no surprise that Amapdu would follow in the footsteps of his dad, Kwame, becoming Exeter’s longest player before being snapped up by Chelsea.
“My dad is a big influence and keeps me on my toes,” he added. “I probably got into football because of my dad and he does help me a bit, he tries not to get involved too much because he wants me to be independent but he’s always there to chat with, which is nice.
Now he needs regular football which would be a huge boost for Wales looking ahead to next summer’s European Championships.
“Ethan has not played enough football in the last two years really, he’s had a few injury problems and he’s played more for me than his club,” Wales manager Ryan Giggs admitted.
“But he’s a quality act. The last two games he played at centre-half. He can play in midfield, and he’s at a good club with a good manager who plays an interesting system.
“He will probably fit into any of the centre-half positions or midfield. It’s up to him to get into the team and stay in the team.”
