Ethan Ampadu was superb at the back as Chelsea progressed to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 win over Bournemouth.Signed from League Two Exeter City over the summer, the 17-year-old Welsh international has featured in central midfield for the Blues earlier this season but was magnificent in the middle of the back three on Wednesday night.He picked up a booking within two minutes of the kick-off but Antonio Conte singled out Ampadu for praise in his post-match comments.“After one minute and 40 seconds, you decide to book a player who is 17-years-old... I think he played the whole game with this problem, and it's not simple for a defender to play after a yellow card in the second minute," said the Italian coach.“You have to play 93 minutes with this danger. But he showed great maturity and personality. If you remember, I spoke about this player in an enthusiastic way. I said in the past that this player, despite his young age, has shown great maturity.“I don't like to make gifts for someone. If they deserve it, I'm ready to play with very young players. Why not. Ampadu deserved to play this game and against Everton and against Huddersfield [Town] in the league. Now he has to stay calm.“Maybe next game, he'll go to play for the youth league. I don't know. But this player is very humble. He could have a great future, but he has to continue in this way, to improve and to work.”
Ampadu's amazing stats v Bournemouth
Chelsea fans were raving about their teenage sensation throughout the game but were blown away when his statistics were revealed on social media.
Blessed with incredible composure on the ball, Ampadu made more passes than any other player in the Cup victory.
He completed 87 of his 88 passes and you can understand why Chelsea fans were singing his praises.
If he continues to drop performances like this, Ampadu will surely be a member of the Chelsea first team for years to come.