Conte sure he can count on Ampadu
Antonio Conte says he has no doubt he can can rely on youngster Ethan Ampadu, who has been receiving rave reviews for his performance for Chelsea against Bournemouth.
Ampadu, 17, impressed at the heart of the Blues defence in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth, having previously played for the first team in midfield.
He is expected to drop out of the starting line-up for Saturday’s Premier League game against Everton, but Blues boss Conte says he will remain very much part of the squad.
“Ampadu has been part of our squad from, not the start of the season, but after one month – he started to train with us every day,” Conte said.
“He is part of our squad and I have to try to make the best decision, but for sure I can count on him.
“I think I showed this, because in the last game against Everton in the Carabao Cup he played from the start as a midfielder, then he played part of the game against Huddersfield and then he played from the start against Bournemouth in an important game for us.”
And Conte is sure the player will keep his feet on the ground despite the praise coming his way and his reputation as one of the country’s brightest prospects.
“This player is very humble. Despite him being only 17 years old he keeps his feet on the ground and I’m sure he won’t lose his head,” Conte said.
“He’s showing great maturity, great personality and great composure before games and during games and after the games.”
