These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Ampadu dedicated to Blues cause

Ethan Ampadu has told the Evening Standard he is encouraged by the success of young players at Chelsea this season and sees a bright future for the club and himself.

Ampadu is currently on loan at German side RB Leipzig but is keeping a close eye on the club he has supported since he was a young fan.

‘In our sport, most people progress on talent and hard work — and that’s what I see at Chelsea,’ said the 19-year-old.

‘I'm just concentrating on my football and trying to get better every day. I followed Chelsea as a young fan until I joined the club as a player aged 16.

‘From that point, I thought only about its future and that’s all I am concerned about. It’s my club, always has been and it will always be my home in football.

‘It is great to see that [the other young players] are doing so well,’ the Wales international defender added.

‘They all have great talent and deserve every minute they get pitch time. It shows that young players under a young manager who believes in them can be successful in the Premier League.

‘It’s been a great season for some of the younger players because the manager has shown such faith in them and so far, it’s turning out well. It points to an exciting future for the club. But my focus is at Leipzig until May and then the European finals with Wales.’

Gemmill likes Gilmour’s strong mindset

Scotland Under-21 head coach Scot Gemmill has told the Herald he admires the ambition of Billy Gilmour, likening the mindset of the Chelsea midfielder to a golden generation of Scottish players from the 1970s.

Gilmour, who was named yesterday in the Scottish squad for upcoming European U-21 Championship qualifiers against Croatia and Greece, has spoken in the past about his desire to become one of the best players in the world.

When asked about it, Gemmill said the youngster’s strong mentality mirrored the ambition of the generation which included his father, Archie.

‘A few people would say that Billy was immature with what he said, but others would say that it shows his hunger and his ambition,’ explained Gemmill.

‘There is a real resonance for me when I hear someone say something like that because I am also hearing it from my father who mirrored that mentality with the greats of Scottish football. That era had every player wanting to be the best player and weren’t happy if they weren’t the best player, no matter who they were playing.

‘Guys like Kenny Dalglish and Graeme Souness and [Archie Gemmill] too, in fact the entire dressing room, were sitting there before the game thinking in their heads that they were going to be the best player. They wanted to be the best player out there.’

Mount named in player power ranking

Mason Mount has been named in the Daily Mail’s Premier League power rankings after his goal-scoring performance in our 4-0 win over Everton last weekend.

The midfielder entered the ranking in seventh place after he opened the scoring against the Toffees and produced a dynamic performance which helped us to our biggest home win of the season.

‘Mason Mount has featured in every one of Chelsea’s Premier League and Champions League matches this season and performed brilliantly,’ said the paper.

‘The 21-year-old midfielder was at his best on Sunday as Chelsea swept aside Everton to strengthen their grip on fourth place.

‘His goal was superbly taken with a spin and crisp bottom corner finish right out of the top drawer, capping a man of the match performance.’