---
title: "Ampadu’s first international start draws in critical acclaim"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2018/09/06/ampadus-first-international-start-draws-in-critical-acclaim/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Elliott Cuff"
section: "Chelsea Features & Analysis"
published: "2018-09-06T22:25:50Z"
modified: "2018-09-06T22:25:50Z"
---

# Ampadu’s first international start draws in critical acclaim

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri should consider playing Ethan Ampadu more this season, according to former Liverpool defender Phil Babb.

The 17-year defender-cum-defensive midfielder started for Wales against Republic of Ireland in the nations’ first Nations League fixture, with Ryan Giggs’ side winning 4-1 in his competitive debut.

Ampadu, who played over an hour for The Dragons, was name-checked as one of the standout performers, and has now forced some to wonder whether Chelsea’s new boss will consider fielding him more often.

![Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1027918158.jpg)

Ampadu played at the base of Wales’ midfield for his first international start, and handled himself like a season professional, shrugging off Jonathan Walters to set up Aaron Ramsey’s goal and Wales’ third.

Having only featured a handful of times under Antonio Conte last season, Babb believes that could change this season, with Ampadu’s performances too good to ignore. As reported by [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12018/11492150/chelsea-boss-maurizio-sarri-should-consider-playing-wales-star-ethan-ampadu-says-phil-babb), Babb said:

> He’s got composure beyond his years. The world is his oyster. I think Maurizio Sarri has to look at him and say ‘wow – what a player I’ve got here’.
>
> He could have been playing in slippers, he was that good.

Co-commentator for the match Keith Andrews was in agreement, echoing the glowing commendation from the former Ireland international defender, saying:

> He was like a Rolls-Royce in midfield.
>
> He has so much awareness when picking the ball and where to go.
>
> When the full-backs went forward, he dropped back into the defence and doesn’t make rash decisions when in critical areas of the pitch.
>
> He’s got the build, the physique. Where is he going to play? I’d say if he’s that good in possession he’ll stroll it in midfield.
>
> It was a big call to leave Joe Ledley out but it shows the confidence Ryan Giggs has in him.