Callum Hudson-Odoi needs to be Chelsea’s first choice left winger
There has been a lot of debate early on this year about which formation Chelsea should play. The 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 both have their own unique pros and cons. Further, the Blues have players better suited to play in one or the other. Thomas Tuchel will—in all likelihood—continue to switch back and forth depending on the opponent put in front of him. The tactical magician that we all heard about coming over from Paris Saint-Germain hadn’t yet shown supporters any tricks up his sleeve, but this campaign is quickly revealing his secrets as he continues to pull rabbits out of his hat.
Saturday’s match began with the German manager coming off the bench to scream at Callum Hudson-Odoi. Moments later, it was the fans’ turn to get up out of their seats and make some noise. The Englishman was the catalyst of this, as well, as he tidily slotted home Chelsea’s second goal of the afternoon. Injuries forced Tuchel’s hand and Hudson-Odoi was named to the starting XI as a direct result of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner’s absences. Nevertheless, the young phenom took his chance and showed supporters he should be in contention to start every match.
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Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi should be the Blues’ first choice left winger following his stunning display against Norwich City
Hudson-Odoi’s situation is an odd one, as many Chelsea fans know. He broke into the first team under Antonio Conte but really made himself a household name under Maurizio Sarri. The versatile winger put in a plethora of impressive performances under the Italian, yet he struggled for game time overall. A severe injury kept him out for awhile the following season and Hudson-Odoi never particularly impressed Frank Lampard. However, upon Tuchel’s arrival, the 20-year-old was given new life. Hudson-Odoi began getting minutes at wingback under the German. He looked good in this new role before his minutes were mysteriously cut again.
The Blues have spent years trying to figure out a way to fit Hudson-Odoi into the line-up, that shouldn’t be the case any longer. Chelsea needs to build a starting XI around Hudson-Odoi as a left winger, not the other way around. The sample size is extremely limited but the English attacker has thrived at his natural position. It’s crazy what happens when you let a young, budding talent play where they’re comfortable, isn’t it?
Hudson-Odoi brings a whole other attacking dimension to this team. He may be the best out-and-out winger within the Blues’ ranks. It may sound absurd to say, it’s easy to forget he’s still 20 though. His talent was on display over the last week as his pace and carrying ability saw him rack up a goal against Norwich and an assist against Malmo. Further, his ability to make something out of nothing forced the Canaries to score an own goal when Hudson-Odoi crossed the ball into a dangerous area from out wide. He’s got a natural connection and understanding with Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell already, if he can build that chemistry with Lukaku, the sky is the limit.
His skillset is similar to that of Christian Pulisic, the difference being the former is seldom sidelined with injury. Chelsea has excelled with Pulisic out wide under Tuchel, so it’s now time to fill that void by giving Hudson-Odoi an opportunity at continued success. The Blues now have a proper talisman up top and natural wingers possess the ball retention, dribbling skills and distribution required to create more chances for the club record signing. Hudson-Odoi and Mount either side of Lukaku means Chelsea will attack teams with three unique players who all bring something different to the table.
All of this isn’t to say Hudson-Odoi should simply be handed starts either. Tuchel was quick to point out following his impressive display against Norwich that consistency is key for the youngster. He was impressive in the Blues’ last two victories, but he needs to string together a bunch of these outings if he wants a chance to start for the Champions of Europe week in and week out. Hudson-Odoi has failed to do this in years past. If he can consistently play on the level he displayed on Saturday though, he should be a surefire starter in the side right now.
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Where do you think Hudson-Odoi should be on the depth chart? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!