Why Chelsea starlet Ethan Ampadu is the find of a generation

Still just 17, Ethan Ampadu is the new name offering hope of a brighter future for both club and country, and after a hugely-impressive performance for Chelsea against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday there are calls for the prodigious teenage star to feature regularly for the Premier League champions in the second half of the season.

Ampadu is a unique find, and Wales have been well-aware of his talent and his potential for a number of years. Although he only made his senior international debut last month against France in Paris, he has developed and progressed through the intermediate ranks with Wales, and former manager Chris Coleman made sure he was integrating with the senior squad from an early age.

Still yet to play a competitive game for Wales, Ampadu can still technically qualify to play for England, Ghana and the Republic of Ireland, but his formative years have been mainly spent within the Welsh international setup, and he came to prominence with his performances for the Wales Under-16 squad as they lifted the Victory Shield.

But impressing in the Carabao Cup is nothing new to Ampadu, and it was in the same competition last season that he made history with former club Exeter City. Putting in a man of the match performance against Brentford in August 2016 at the age of just 15, Ampadu quickly became the hottest trending topic on social media, and his unmissable look became familiar to football fans across the country.

Ethan Ampadu celebrates success with Exeter City

Dad Kwame was a hero at Swansea City during his own playing days, long before the Swans found themselves mixing it with the elite of the Premier League. But while Kwame never reached the top-flight heights, son Ethan is already eclipsing his father's professional achievements, and there is a lot more to come from this undoubted talent.

Ampadu actually broke a long-standing club record for Exeter City on that August night, as the 15-year old became the youngest-ever player to play for Exeter City since future Arsenal legend Cliff Bastin represented the club back in 1928. It was the performance that prompted Chelsea to move for his signature, and he could prove to be the best signing of a generation.

What makes Ampadu different is his playing maturity. Although he has featured in midfield, it is in the centre of defence that he is expected to establish himself for both Chelsea and Wales. A position usually occupied by experienced figures with the knowledge on how to read a game, Ampadu has the ability to rewrite the rule book on what constitutes the ideal defender.

The difference with Ampadu is that he has a natural ability to read the game, and with it ensure that he is in the right place at the right time. His performances for Wales at Under-17 and Under-19 level have been played with a maturity of a defender well above his years, and he has the ability to glide through the game without breaking a sweat.

Ethan Ampadu has come through the ranks with Wales and made his senior debut last month

Opportunities for young players at the top clubs are difficult, but Ampadu is defying the system already this season by making the most of his chances. Like Phil Foden at Manchester City, Ampadu has gone over and above the expectations of his manager, and it is that sort of impact that is required to make the grade at such prestigious clubs.

How he develops over the remainder of his teenage years will be intriguing to see, and there is no reason why he cannot establish himself in the Chelsea defence just as he will inevitably do for Wales should he finally make the competitive appearance needed to commit him to wearing the colours of the dragon for the remainder of his international career.

His recent elevation to the Chelsea starting line-up has brought his talent to a whole new audience in the press and public, but this is not a flash in the pan, and his talent has been nurtured by Exeter City and Wales for a number of years.

Chelsea and Exeter City are yet to agree a fee for his transfer and it will be decided by a tribunal, a matter both clubs hope will not distract from his progress. His maturity already suggests that it shouldn't have any effect on his game, and his focus must now surely be on gaining more minutes in Antonio Conte's team.

David Luiz could find his opportunities at Chelsea further restricted by the emergence of Ethan Ampadu

Comparisons to David Luiz are inevitable for Ampadu given his unique and instantly recognisable hair, but it is their style of play that is also incredibly similar, except Ampadu appears much more in control in possession than the erratic Brazilian. Luiz is now 30, and the teenage Ampadu appears to be pushing him towards the Stamford Bridge exit door.

As an Italian, Conte will appreciate the defensive qualities of Ampadu, and his composure on the ball will bring the stability that he has longed for since the departure of John Terry. Likewise, Wales are looking for the natural heir to replace captain Ashley Williams at the centre of defence, and while Ampadu may not be ready to lead as captain, he is more than ready for the demands of international football.

Ethan Ampadu comes on for his Premier League debut against Huddersfield Town

Incredibly talented young players do emerge on a regular basis, but how they mature and adapt often means that many of them find themselves dropping to a level lower than what was initially expected of them. Ampadu is different, and that is what makes him the find of his generation. He already plays above his years in a position traditionally occupied by senior figures.

Although he doesn't have the experience he should have to play so flawlessly in the centre of defence, he is already capable of doing so. That is what makes him unique. What others need to be taught comes naturally to him, and the more he is exposed to top-flight football, the better he will become. We are witnessing the emergence of an incredible talent.