Wales youngster Ethan Ampadu admits he's desperate to become the latest rising star to break through under Chelsea boss Frank Lampard next season, but insists he is currently focused on performing for RB Leipzig.
The 19-year-old left many Blues fans raving after a highly-composed performance against bitter rivals Tottenham in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with many supporters urging Lampard to give the former Exeter City prospect a chance at Stamford Bridge next term.
Despite being capped nine times for his country, Ampadu has struggled for game-time at club level, making just six appearances for Leipzig since his loan move in the summer.
However, his showing in North London could well see him given a greater role for the Bundesliga outfit over the coming weeks, but the player himself admits there is plenty of quality to contend with.
"I try to be composed and just try to play," he told Sky Sports after the game.
"I think (Jose) Mourinho might have said it as well. The quality of our play probably goes underrated because people might not know the name Leipzig as much, but as you saw tonight we have a lot of quality."
Asked if his performance had helped his parent club by weakening Spurs ahead the Premier League clash between the two sides this weekend, he added: "I mean I hope so. All the best to Chelsea, I hope they win as well.
"I'm a Chelsea fan as well so I'm always watching."
The transfer ban imposed on Chelsea last summer has seen the club hand more chances to some of its most promising young talents, with the likes of Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi all impressing in the Premier League.
And Ampadu admits he's eyeing up a similar chance to impress when he returns to the English capital.
"I would like to be [the next to break through]," he said.
"But for now I have to concentrate on the rest of this season and hopefully play some more games."
Should Ampadu be given another run-out in Leipzig's return to Bundesliga action this weekend, he could come up against a familiar face, with the East Germans taking on a Schalke side that may potentially feature international team-mate Rabbi Matondo.
