Rory Jennings from talkSPORT believes Ethan Ampadu from Leeds could solve Chelsea's midfield crisis following Enzo Fernández's departure.

The Welsh international spent six years at Stamford Bridge after joining from Exeter City in 2017 at age 16.

However, Ampadu made just 12 appearances for Chelsea's first team and was loaned out four times during that period.

The 26-year-old was sold to Leeds for £7 million three years ago, and since then has not only become captain but also helped the club earn promotion to the Premier League as champions in 2024.

Speaking about Chelsea's midfield crisis, Jennings said on talkSPORT Breakfast: "The midfield is just not good enough. The absence of Caicedo is a huge blow. I think we all need to stop pretending Reece James can play midfield.

"Talk to Chelsea fans and they'll ask: 'What are your midfield options?' We'll list them one by one, but we need to stop pretending Reece James is a midfielder. He can't do it.

"I watched Leeds and thought they were brilliant. When I watched Ethan Ampadu, I thought he was everything I want Reece James to be in Chelsea's midfield: decisive tackling, controlling the tempo, orchestrating attacks, aggressive pressing.

"A player like Ethan Ampadu in Chelsea's midfield would lift the entire club, but we don't have that player right now. I really don't know what the solution is."

Ethan Ampadu continued his excellent start to the season in Leeds' 4-1 victory over Newcastle United on Monday evening.

To date, he has played every minute of the team's Premier League matches. Farke's side remain unbeaten in their opening four games and currently sit third.

Chelsea, by contrast, have failed to win their last two Premier League matches after drawing 2-2 with Hull City on Saturday.

Reece James, who has started all three of his league appearances this season in midfield, was again deployed in that position in this match.

Переведено ИИ.

Сайт AF теперь доступен! Читайте полные новости, комментарии, детали матчей и статистику на компьютере. Посетите: www.allfootballapp.com