The 2018/19 season was not a great one for all of Chelsea's youngsters.

While the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Mason Mount really blossomed in the campaign that just went by, Ethan Ampadu really struggled.

After a very promising 2017/18 season under Antonio Conte, the 18-year-old just couldn’t break into Maurizio Sarri's matchday squad, though injuries did play their part.

Ampadu is now being linked with a loan move to Aston Villa but Frank Lampard, who is expected to be the next Chelsea boss, really should consider keeping him at Stamford Bridge.

If he is planning to use a 4-3-3 formation next season with N'Golo Kante at the base which is what some supporters are expecting, with no transfer window to turn to, Ampadu is the only other real destructive option the Englishman will have.

The Wales international, who has a real aggressiveness about him (as displayed by some of his robust challenges during Wales' international clashes) and is a really strong tackler (averaging 1.7 challenges and 2.7 interceptions while on international duty, per WhoScored), looks as if he could be moulded into a very good defensive midfielder with the right coaching, though he looks equally adept in central defence.

Lampard, of course, could also turn towards someone such as Tiemoue Bakayoko following his loan spell with AC Milan, with the Frenchman being one of the more defensive-minded midfielders Chelsea have on their books.

But considering how torrid his time in England has been so far, it would not be surprising if Lampard went down the Ampadu route.

A coach who also sends his team out to dominate possession like Sarri, do not be surprised if Lampard keeps Jorginho in the holding midfield position. But if not and he does want more of a ball-winner there, then Ampadu could really give him something to think about.

Chelsea fans, would you like to see Ampadu in the squad next season or is a loan move to Aston Villa in his best interest? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!