Chris Coleman has said that Chelsea have a carbon-copy of David Luiz coming through their ranks after being left impressed by Ethan Ampadu's early displays.
The versatile defender was brought on as a sub during the Blues' 5-1 win over Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup in midweek, making him the club's youngest debutant since Michael Woods in January 2007.
Ampadu, who only turned 17 last week, has also stood out on the international scene for Wales at Under-19s level and was included in the senior side's latest squad.
Dragons boss Coleman believes that the former Exeter City ace is very much in the mould of Chelsea favourite Luiz.
"He's very similar to David Luiz. Look at young Ampadu's style of play; he's a stylish centre-back or holding midfielder," The Sun quotes him as saying.
"He's very good on the ball, excellent in possession but he's a good defender as well. For someone so young he reads the game really well and that's what is really attractive for a club like Chelsea.
"He's a very good player and I can see why Chelsea have targeted him. The track record at Chelsea of the kids coming through has been tough. It's been quite scarce. Who is to say he will be different? I was up at Anfield watching Liverpool against Crystal Palace recently and the boy [Ruben] Loftus-Cheek was playing. He came through Chelsea's academy and he looked very good - very impressive.
"So they have produced good players. It's just not so many have come through to their first team. Ethan was always going to end up at one of the big clubs. It'll be up to him whether he is going to come through at Chelsea. Looking at him now, he's showing all the signs of being a top level defender."
Chelsea and Exeter have yet to agree a fee for Ampadu following his summer switch, with a tribunal now likely to be required.
Daniel Lewis
