Ethan Ampadu is targeting a place in the Chelsea first team (Image: GETTY)
Ethan Ampadu has reiterated his desire to break into the Chelsea first team after an impressive return to London this week. The 19-year-old defender played at the heart of the RB Leipzig team which stunned Tottenham with a 1-0 win at White Hart Lane in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16.
It was all done under the watchful eyes of the Chelsea scouting team making final notes before they entertain Tottenham themselves on Saturday with a place in the top four of the Premier League very much at stake.
Ampadu very much hopes Frank Lampard's side go on to clinch that Champions League qualification spot because he hopes to be part of it all next season.
“When this situation came of starting against Spurs I knew it was a good opportunity to show what I can do and I'd like to think I've done that,” he said.
“I am always watching Chelsea and seeing what is going on. It is good to see the young players are shining at the moment. They are in the top four so fingers crossed they can hold on to that.
“I would like to go back, I aim to, but right now I am focused on Leipzig and finishing the season.
“It’s a different culture and a different country. I’m just trying to get minutes to improve myself as a player and a person.
“All the Chelsea players out on loan keep in touch via a WhatsApp group.
“And Chelsea stay in contact with every single loan player. Every time you play they help you and every time you make a mistake they tell you.”
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Chelsea loanee Ethan Ampadu impressed against Tottenham for RB Leipzig (Image: GETTY)
The Wales international feels very much that his spell on loan in the Bundesliga is enabling him to grow up both as a footballer and a person.
“I’ve not played as much as I’d like to but I’m in a fantastic team with fantastic players,” he said. “At the end of the day I’m just trying to improve. I’m trying to better myself, trying to learn the German language.
“It’s not going great but I’m really going to try to learn more. You go to the supermarket and restaurants, you can’t always speak English.“I go on Google translate. Thankfully Google translate is helping me out with every single one. So it’s good.”