Chelsea youth star Ethan Ampadu is better than Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey was at his age, according to Wales youth coach Cledwyn Ashford.
Ampadu, 18, has recently signed a signed a five-year-deal at Stamford Bridge, taking his tenure at the club until at least 2023.
The Welsh midfielder made his way through the Wales set-ups, making eight appearances across the Welsh U17/19 sides before getting the call-up to the full international squad.
His ability has been praised by Wales youth coach Ashford, who has likened the player to both Ramsey and the late Gary Speed.
Speaking to FC Cymru, Ashford said: “He is a tremendous young man, one of the politest young men you’re likely to meet. You remember certain players when you see them for the first time.
“Straight away you could see the excitement on the coaches’ faces and you could see he has such balance, vision. He’s strong and when he’s on the pitch he commands, can battle with anyone, so sophisticated how he does things, looks at things.
“Off the pitch, he 100 per cent looks after himself, listens to coaches, behaves himself. He is a lovely lad.
“I’ve worked with people like the late Gary Speed, who was an outstanding player. I’ve worked with others who have come through the system, seen others develop, seen Aaron Ramsey at that age.
“And for me, Ethan is as good if not better because he has something quite special.
“He has an ability but also an attitude and I’m sure in the future, if he’s still there, he’ll become a Chelsea captain and I’m sure he’ll become a Welsh captain.
“I expect great things of Ethan Ampadu.”
Ethan Ampadu is the first player born in 2000 to start a game for Chelsea in any competition.
The start of the 00s.
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— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 25, 2017
To date, Ampadu has made seven appearances for the Blues, including his first introduction to Premier League football last season when he was picked to play against Huddersfield Town.
Before that, he made his Chelsea debut in the League Cup against Nottingham Forest, becoming the first 2000-born player to represent the club in any competition.
He also made similar history for the national team. In providing his first assist for Wales vs the Republic of Ireland, a week before his 18th birthday, he became the first 2000-born player to do so for the senior side.
Although he is yet to play for the first-team this season under new manager Maurizio Sarri, big things are expected of arguably Wales’ hottest property.
The post Future Chelsea captain Ethan Ampadu better than Aaron Ramsey, claims Wales youth coach appeared first on Squawka News.
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