Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu backed to shine by Rabbi Matondo despite lack of game-time at Leipzig
ETHAN AMPADU could be forgiven for questioning his decision to join Germany’s Brexit movement. The Chelsea teenager became the latest British kid to head to the Bundesliga when he joined RB Leipzig on a season-long loan in July. But the 19-year-old has played just 48 minutes of league action so far — a fact that […]
ETHAN AMPADU could be forgiven for questioning his decision to join Germany’s Brexit movement.
The Chelsea teenager became the latest British kid to head to the Bundesliga when he joined RB Leipzig on a season-long loan in July.
But the 19-year-old has played just 48 minutes of league action so far — a fact that his Wales boss Ryan Giggs admitted is “a concern”.
Ampadu’s lack of game time has been a bit of a mystery, given the dreadlocked ace has impressed in training sessions.
Centre-back looks a closed shop with Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate first choice.
But Leipzig have had injuries and bans in holding midfield and Ampadu still has barely had a look-in, making all of his three substitute appearances for the club in the last fortnight.
Yet Wales team-mate Rabbi Matondo — who helped convince Ampadu of the merits of moving to the continent — is certain his close pal will get his chance eventually.
The pair are in Giggs’ squad for today’s crucial Group E Euro 2020 qualifier in Azerbaijan.
Matondo, 19, who quit Manchester City for Schalke in an £11.3million deal in January, said: “When I first came I wasn’t playing a lot, I was coming off the bench most of the time.
“I know when he gets his opportunity he’ll take it because he’s that kind of lad.
“It’s just a matter of time, he just has to be patient and keep working hard in training. When he gets the opportunity at Wales camps, he can show Leipzig what he’s capable of.”
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Ampadu’s Bundesliga career has got off to a frustrating start but there are success stories out of the eight British starlets playing in Germany right now.
Jadon Sancho is the obvious pick, although his form has gone off the boil of late and there has been talk of an exit from Borussia Dortmund next summer.
Yet the 19-year-old England star’s ability to lift bums off seats with his dazzling skills makes him one of the division’s most-loved stars.
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl was so certain Sancho would fit the Bundesliga that he tried to sign him when he was with Leipzig.
Others have been flourishing too, like Everton defender Jonjoe Kenny.
The on-loan 22-year-old arrived at Schalke with little fanfare this summer but has been the welcome surprise of the season for the Miners.
Scouser Kenny has played in all bar four minutes of league action and won August’s Rookie of the Month award.
Matondo gets on well with Kenny and reckons the right-back’s fearlessness has played a big part in him shining.
And his penchant for cheeky gamesmanship has endeared him to supporters.
Matondo said: “Jonjoe is confident, has a good mentality, he’s aggressive like the manager likes it, he’s good going forward and obviously he can defend.
“He is a great character, especially to have around the changing room. Hopefully, we can sign him on permanent at the end of the season.”
Lewis Baker, another Chelsea loanee, has also fared well in his loan spell at Fortuna Dusseldorf.
But there is work to do for the likes of Reece Oxford (Augsburg), Ademola Lookman (Leipzig) and Keanan Bennetts (Borussia Monchengladbach).
Matondo has been working on his German with three lessons a week and feels his explosive style fits well with the counter-press of new boss David Wagner.
Now the Welshman’s focus is on becoming a key man under the former Huddersfield chief and making a similar impression on German football as former City colleague Sancho.
Matondo added: “Obviously people might say ‘Ah, just because Jadon went there, I went there’.
“But I had the option to go to Schalke as well and at the time I felt it was the right opportunity for me to take for the next step in my career.
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“It’s easier for us because we lived away from home anyway. Jadon came from London to Manchester, I came from Cardiff.
“It’s not easier to move to a different country but it wasn’t so hard for us because we’re used to being away from home.
“I guess that’s why he’s settled in very well and I’ll try my best to do what he’s doing.”