Ethan Ampadu's versatility important as Sheffield United look to make the most of their small squad

The Chelsea youngster has joined the Blades on a season-long loan, and is set to make his debut at Burnley in the League Cup second round on Thursday.

Ampadu can play as a central midfielder or a centre-back, and with a small squad, that flexibility is important to the Blades. From a selfish point of view, though, the 20-year-old is looking to forge a career in the game and after last season's loan spell at Leipzig brought only seven in all competitions, he cannot really afford to be a bit-part player.

“He can play numerous roles,” said Wilder of the Wales international. “We've got an idea where he'll compete but I think it's important when you're constructing that squad that you have three or four players that can fill in.

“Bashy (Chris Basham) can fill in at certain positions, (Jack) Rodwell, Ben Osborn, there are a few. Sander (Berge) can play as a sitting midfielder or one further up, or in a two.

“It's important you've got some versatility in there but he'll want to get in and cement a position and make that his own. Who's to back against it but he's got produce performances pretty quickly.”

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