Ethan Ampadu’s performance was a bright spot in a fairly disappointing for Wales against Azerbaijan on Friday night.
Gareth Bale’s 84th-minute goal gave Wales all three points as they won 2-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium to keep their hopes of Euro 2020 qualification alive but it was a slog for Ryan Giggs’ men against inferior opposition.
The result leaves them fourth out of the five teams in Group E after four games but they are just three points behind group leaders Croatia and second-place Hungary.
While the performance of the team left a lot to be desired, Welsh fans can take hope from the play of Ampadu.
The Chelsea youngster started the game alongside Joe Allen in the centre of the park and put in another assured performance despite his age.
The 18-year-old, who is currently on loan with German side RB Leipzig, was many viewers’ man of the match and one of the few positives from a disappointing outing at home.
After putting an end to a 58-year wait for a major tournament, Wales reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 but failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Now they face an uphill battle to qualify for next year’s European Championships.
Ampadu and co. will have time to get things together before a crucial round of next qualifiers in October where they will travel to face Slovakia before hosting Croatia in Cardiff three days later.
