ETHAN AMPADU has been urged to stay at Chelsea and learn the art of defending from Thiago Silva.
Brazilian Thiago, 35, joined Frank Lampard’s side last month on a free from Paris Saint-Germain.
Teen star Ampadu is back at Stamford Bridge following a season-long loan in Germany with RB Leipzig.
And the Wales ace, who starred in the 1-0 Nations League victory over Finland on Thursday in his first international game at centre-back, has been tipped by national boss Ryan Giggs to develop under Thiago’s knowledge and experience.
Giggs’ side face Bulgaria in Cardiff on Sunday. And when asked if Ampadu can learn from his new club-mate, he said: “Oh yeah. He’s been a quality centre-back for the last 15 years.
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“When you see a player like that in training and games, you can only learn from it.
“Ethan definitely will, along with the other talented players at Chelsea.”
Following his stint in the Bundesliga versatile Ampadu — who can also play in midfield — is willing to fight for his Chelsea place despite interest from numerous clubs to go out on loan again.
The 19-year-old has been plagued by a back injury, linked to growing pains, which meant he only played seven times for the Germans.
But the former Exeter man’s last appearance made an impression on Giggs.
He lined up in a back three for Leipzig in February’s 1-0 Champions League last-16 first-leg win over Tottenham.
Giggs said: “I want all the players to be playing regularly but that sometimes isn’t the case.
“It’s that balance over whether they’re at a top club and surrounded by top players and improving every day but ultimately you need minutes on the pitch.
“That’s a decision for Ethan. I’ve talked to him about it a lot. Last year was maybe a little bit different as he had injuries.
“You could see from the game against Tottenham he was outstanding.
“Nothing fazes him, he’s a quality player and he just needs to keep fit now and he will get minutes wherever he is.
“I wanted to try Ethan at centre-back because he does give you a different option with how comfortable he is on the ball.
“He has played more in midfield, which he can do as well. I was really impressed. He brings that calmness, he gets us up the pitch and he’s got composure on the ball.
“I haven’t really pigeonholed a position for him — he can play in defence or midfield.”
Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey said: “With the style of play that Ryan has got us playing Ethan is fantastic to have at the back.
“He’s comfortable on the ball, a good talker and he leads well from the defence.
“He is the kind of player who you can give the ball to in any circumstance. He plays really well with the players around him.
“From a goalkeeper’s perspective he is fantastic to have around.”
Ampadu could be joined in Giggs’ side by David Brooks after the Bournemouth winger recovered from an ankle injury to link up with the Wales squad in Cardiff on Friday.
Giggs added: “It’s great news and a bonus.
“He had a slight injury last weekend training with Bournemouth so we were just monitoring him with the hope he would be able to join up.
“The scan came back clear and he’s fine.
“You could see in training in a small-sided game the way he glides past players, he’s a delight to work with.
“He gives us a different option and hopefully he can get back to the form where he was player of the season for us two years ago.”
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