While Chelsea haven’t flaunted the most pristine record of youth integration in recent seasons, and even though many have been forced to leave Stamford Bridge to illustrate their ability, one senses that things could soon change at the club.

Ethan Ampadu is regarded as one of the most promising young players in world football, and his rapid ascension from Exeter City’s youngest ever player to full-time international is rather startling. When the Welshman completed the move from the Grecians to then Premier League champions, Chelsea, no one would have envisaged the impact that he’s made.

Initially signed for the development squad, he concluded the previous season having totalled seven first-team appearances and having attained two caps for Wales. To date, he has earnt an additional three caps for his country, all of which he has received this season, yet, he’s still awaiting his inaugural senior appearance under Maurizio Sarri’s tutelage.

The newly turned 18-year-old has been overlooked for games in which he was expected to feature in, such as those against PAOK and Vidi in the Europa League, or the third-round Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool.  For a player that has performed admirably against the likes of France, Denmark and Spain, you’d think that he would have the necessary competence to thrive in games that are deemed of less significance to Chelsea.

Having said that, the fact that he’s been overlooked could reflect the pressure that Sarri’s team have been subjected to. Callum Hudson-Odoi is another primary example of a budding youth prospect who has been dismissed so far, and that, despite starting in Chelsea’s Community Shield defeat to Manchester City.

The Blues have remained unbeaten since that loss – which is widely disregarded as a glorified friendly – and they currently occupy second place in the Premier League having attained the same number of points as Manchester City and Liverpool.

Resultantly, expectations have altered among the press, and Chelsea’s status has transformed from a transitional club into expected challengers. Additionally, when you factor the absence of a major trophy, that continues to cloud the media’s judgement of Sarri, the Italian has limited room for error.

Correspondingly, it’s no surprise that Sarri has opted to entrust more experienced options than the likes of Ampadu and Hudson-Odoi, but the Welshman, in particular, has demonstrated his aptness for a role in the Chelsea team.

This isn’t a call for the youngster to instantly displace a member of Sarri’s preferred eleven, such claims would be ludicrous, it’s merely a suggestion that Ampadu warrants greater first-team involvement under the Italian’s leadership.

Much to his dismay, an ankle injury brought an early end to last season, and the versatile teenager will be absent for Wales’ crucial Nations League clash against the Republic of Ireland having been injured against Spain. Nonetheless, during his brief spell with both club and country, he has shone.

I challenge you to discover a similar talent, of the same age, who plays with such authority and fearlessness on the pitch. He is often found instructing teammates to pass the ball or return to their positions. Similarly, he exhibits tremendous vision on the pitch, and his passing range is mightily encouraging.

One of his primary strengths is his versatility, he can operate smoothly in midfield (where he has predominantly featured for Wales), or equally, he is proficient at centre-half (where the majority of his Chelsea appearances have arisen). This adaptability is a result of his marvellous technical quality and footballing intelligence.

His influence on the international stage has grown more apparent in his recent outings for Wales. During their 4-1 drubbing of Ireland in the Nations League, Ampadu dictated proceedings at the heart of the pitch with his ability to retrieve possession and his impressive passing. In fact, he combined both skills to register his first assist for Wales, feeding a delightful ball into the path of Aaron Ramsey.

[brid autoplay="true" video="307232" player="12034" title="Rafa's Pub Facts Germany Hit New Low & Jadon Sancho Makes Us Feel Old"]

Against Spain, albeit in more difficult circumstances, where Wales were collectively poor, Ampadu held his own against some of the most recognisable talents in world football. Moreover, he came agonisingly close to scoring his first senior goal, as his first-half header crashed against the post.

In such a short period, the 18-year-old has undergone staggering development, and currently, is regarded as a player of extreme importance for his country. With Chelsea featuring in seven games in 22 days from the 20th of October to the 11th of November, roughly a game every three days, this could denote Sarri’s most opportune moment to entrust the Welsh international with first-team participation.

He has continually improved his ability to impress on a variety of stages, and unless his status at club level is rewarded with sufficient senior involvement, then a loan away from Stamford Bridge could be the best solution to further his progression.

What are your thoughts? Let us know!