There may be some regret in the halls of Cobham that Ethan Ampadu was again sent out on loan given Chelsea's ongoing issues in central midfield.
Ampadu impressed at the base of Wales' midfield on Monday night against the USA, offered more evidence of his progression, which has been had away from Stamford Bridge. Currently, on loan with Spezia in Serie A, the 22-year-old has been a regular for Rob Page at international level and offered aggression and good protection in front of Wales' back three.
Making 61 touches in Qatar, completing five long balls, making three clearances, one interception and five recoveries in the game, completing the evening with a full-blooded challenge which led to his late substitution.
READ MORE: Chelsea loan latest as two transfer plans become clear during World Cup break and Ampadu shines
Ampadu could have offered Graham Potter a different midfield solution, given the challenges Chelsea's head coach has already found in that position since taking charge in September.
Although Ampadu was involved in Chelsea's pre-season tour to the States, he struggled to get much of a look-in under Thomas Tuchel before embarking on his fourth loan away from west London since signing from Exeter in 2017. Having stints in Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and now Spezia has given Ampadu a lot of senior football, but it has not gotten him any closer to Chelsea's starting lineup.
Ampadu was on the bench for a couple of Chelsea's opening fixtures before Tuchel was sacked but never got off the bench before returning to Italy on loan, where he impressed last season.
N'Golo Kante's ongoing injury issues, Jorginho's form and Mateo Kovacic's inconsistency have failed to offer a settled group to offer balance and quality on the ball.
The ongoing debate around Chelsea's midfield means that the need for investment in 2023 is clear, but Ampadu could have offered a priceless alternative in a challenging season for Potter.
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