Wales manager Ryan Giggs has tipped Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu to have a “magnificent” future after his competitive international debut.
Ampadu, 17, started for Wales in their 4-1 Uefa Nations League win over the Republic of Ireland on Thursday and put on a composed performance.
Utilised as a defender for Chelsea so far, the 17-year-old played 66 minutes in central midfield for Wales, recording an assist for their third goal, scored by Aaron Ramsey.
And Giggs, who was also taking charge of his first competitive game for Wales, believes Ampadu is already showing maturity beyond his years.
“Ethan is a talented player,” he told Sky Sports.
“Even more so than that, as a person, he is so balanced, so mature, for such a young player – he’s going to be magnificent.
“The lads were magnificent, some brilliant goals and great football. I can’t be much happier. At the start of the season, it’s about juggling players who are playing regularly with match rhythm with a balance of experience and bringing young players in.
“They’ve set the standard and need to stay there. I did enjoy the performance and the goals but you always think you can do better, there were mistakes to work on, but I am extremely happy and proud.”
Despite featuring regularly in defence for Chelsea during their pre-season, Ampadu is yet to make a matchday squad for the Blues at the start of the new Premier League campaign with David Luiz, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen all ahead of him in the pecking order.
Wales next face Denmark in the Uefa Nations League on Sunday, with the Danes back at full-strength after having to field a mix of lower league and futsal players in their friendly with Slovakia.
Ampadu hits the big stage
Prior to the game on Thursday night, Ampadu had made two appearances for the Welsh senior team in international friendlies.
Ethan Ampadu's game by numbers vs. the Republic of Ireland:
66 minutes
45 touches
3 tackles won
2 aerial duels won
2 interceptions
2 clearances
1 assistMature beyond his years.
pic.twitter.com/Isu27Ybkr8
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 6, 2018
But against Ireland, the youngster looked assured during his time on the pitch, showing everyone his readiness to play senior international football.
During his time on the pitch, Ampadu had 45 touches of the ball, winning three tackles as well as two aerial duels.
The 17-year-old also made two interceptions, two clearances and recorded one assist, tackling Jonathan Walters in the centre of the pitch before running to the edge of the Ireland box and playing in Ramsey.
The post Wales boss Ryan Giggs tips Chelsea rising star Ethan Ampadu to become a “magnificent” player appeared first on Squawka News.
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