Ethan Ampadu happy to play wherever to help Venezia avoid relegation

Ethan Ampadu had to wait almost a month after his arrival to make his debut for his new loan team, but he’s now played in three straight, including the full-90 this weekend in a shock 1-0 win over Fiorentina.

Unlike for Wales or Sheffield United last season, Ampadu has mostly played in midfield for Venezia, but it’s all par for the course for the versatile defender.

“I think it’s useful to know how to play in more positions — okay, maybe not as an attacker, but in defence or in midfield I feel at ease. I have no preferences, I’m young, I want to play and wherever I need to I’ll be happy to do so.”

He may be playing a different position, but one thing is very similar to last season’s loan. Much like Sheffield United, Venezia are struggling for survival at the bottom end of the league table. The win this weekend was just their second all season — though they’ve yet to lose any of their three games in which Ampadu started.

Ampadu’s hoping to use not only his physical and technical skills but his mental fortitude as well in trying to avoid relegation for his team — which would be a second successive one for himself personally.

“I am happy for the first home win and for the two previous games. I feel good [but] it is up to us to improve at each game, because we think we deserve staying in Serie A.”

“I can contribute with my mentality of wanting to win, with an aggressive aspect that helps me do well.”

-Ethan Ampadu; Source: ANSA via Google Translate

The 21-year-old signed a new three-year Chelsea contract in the summer, and has done well in most of his loans, including at teams who were struggling. With the Chelsea defense and midfield potentially facing a shake-up in the near future (due to ages, contracts, etc), Ampadu just might get his shot as well, especially if he continues to do well.