Ethan Ampadu: Welsh youngster nominated for prestigious Golden Boy award
Ethan Ampadu of Wales in action against Azerbaijan. Wales v Azerbaijan UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifier at the Cardiff City Stadium. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
The 100-man shortlist for the 2020 Golden Boy award has been announced, and it includes Wales’ Ethan Ampadu.
The award is given to the most impressive player in Europe under the age of 21.
The centre-back, who can also operate in midfield, has spent the season on loan at RB Leipzig from Chelsea, for whom he has made seven appearances.
Why Chelsea should amplify Ampadu to a starting role next season
Ampadu, 19, already has 13 Wales caps to his name and is highly rated by supporters and his manager, Ryan Giggs, alike.
Despite finding regular game time hard to come by for Die Roten Bullen, Ampadu starred in Leipzig’s Champions League victory over Tottenham Hostpur.
19-year-old Ethan Ampadu made more passes, completed more passes, made more interceptions and had a higher pass accuracy than any other player on the pitch during Spurs 0-1 RB Leipzig.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 19, 2020
Remember, he’s on loan from Chelsea. 😏 pic.twitter.com/jvvQvuy4D5
He completed the most passes, had the most touches, and achieved the highest passing accuracy of 95%, showing what the Welsh prospect is capable of.
Ampadu is joined in the 100-stong list by the likes of Alphonso Davies, Phil Foden, Mason Greenwood, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Junior, Jadon Sancho and Chelsea team-mates Callum Hudson-Odoi and Billy Gilmour.
Recent previous winners of the award include João Félix, Matthijs De Ligt and Kylian Mbappe.
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
