talkSPORT's Rory Jennings believes that Leeds United's Ampadu can solve Chelsea's midfield problems caused by Enzo's departure.
The Welsh international joined the club from Exeter City in 2017 at the age of 16 and spent six years at Stamford Bridge.
Ampadu only made 12 appearances for Chelsea's first team, during which time he was loaned out four times.
The 26-year-old was sold to Leeds United three years ago for £7 million, and has since not only become captain but also helped the team win the title and gain promotion to the Premier League in 2025.
Speaking about Chelsea's midfield crisis, Jennings said on talkSPORT Breakfast: "We simply don't have enough midfield. Caicedo's absence is a huge blow. I think we should all stop pretending Reece James can play in midfield."
“When you talk to Chelsea fans, they’ll ask, ‘What are your midfield options?’ We’ll list them all out, but we have to stop pretending Reece James is a midfielder. He can’t do that.”
“I watched Leeds United and I thought they were fantastic. When I watched Ampadu, I was thinking that he is everything I hope Reece James can do in Chelsea's midfield: decisive tackles, control of the tempo, orchestration of attacks, and aggressive pressing.”
"Putting a player like Ampadu into Chelsea's midfield would elevate the entire club to a higher level, but we don't have that right now. I really don't know what the solution is."
Ampadu continued his excellent start to the season in Leeds United's 4-1 victory over Newcastle United on Monday night.
So far, he has played every minute of his team's Premier League matches. Falk's team is unbeaten in the first four rounds and is currently in third place.
In contrast, Chelsea have failed to win their last two Premier League matches after a 2-2 draw with Hull City on Saturday.
James has played as a makeshift midfielder in all three of his league starts this season, and he was placed in that position again in this game.
