Industry and invention - What Ethan Ampadu will bring to Sheffield United after season-long loan from Chelsea

Signing a season-long loan from Chelsea, Ampadu joined Jayden Bogle and Max Lowe at Bramall Lane as the third arrival on a busy day of transfer activity in South Yorkshire.

All three fit Chris Wilder's tried-and-tested recruitment profile - of young, hungry and upwardly-mobile footballers - and although Ampadu is taking what most observers would see as a step down from a club in the Champions League, the early signs are that he is determined to seize whatever opportunity he can fashion for himself as he looks to accelerate his own development with a loan in the Premier League following a similar temporary placement at RB Leipzig last season.

Ampadu's first interview as a Blade showed what appeared to be a shy young man, who doesn't turn 20 years old until next week. But just the most cursory glance over his recent performances for Wales, with whom he has already earned 13 senior caps, shows a serious competitor, and an already-accomplished player.

Utilised at centre-half by Wales, Ampadu can also play in midfield and has been known to rake cross-field passes, Ollie Norwood-style, to switch the play. Those who have watched his progress describe him as quick and aggressive in the tackle, but also having the quality to be able to use the ball intelligently when he wins it back.

Ampadu's signing makes a lot of sense on a lot of fronts. With United restricted in the amount of loan signings they are able to make from fellow Premier League clubs, the former Exeter youth product offers cover and competition for, amongst others, the positions occupied by Chris Basham and Norwood.

For a young man, he has experience of being involved abroad with, love them or hate them, one of German football's most progressive football clubs and played in their Champions League victory at Tottenham Hotspur last season.

The next step is to shine in the Premier League - one that everyone at Bramall Lane will be hoping he can take this season.

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