Callum Hudson-Odoi: What we know about the Chelsea youngster impressing in pre-season

Joe Krishnan2 August 2018

Chelsea may have tasted defeat for the first time under Maurizio Sarri after losing on penalties to Arsenal, but an outstanding display from academy graduate Callum Hudson-Odoi was more than just a positive to take from the game.

The 17-year-old performed admirably as he started both of Chelsea's pre-season victories over Perth Glory and Inter Milan. But, against a near-full strength Arsenal side, the youngster was to face his toughest test in a blue shirt.

Hudson-Odoi wasn't fazed and simply took it in his stride. Rarely has an Arsenal defence - especially Hector Bellerin - been taunted so much by one player. The Spaniard has pace in abundance but even he could not deal with Hudson-Odoi's mazy runs. It was his silky footwork which forced Bellerin into a clumsy challenge to give away a first-half penalty.

If this performance was a sign of what we can expect, then it seems Hudson-Odoi will have a bright future with the Blues.

In Pictures | Arsenal vs Chelsea | 01/08/2018

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Here's what we know so far

Best position

Hudson-Odoi is most effective when operating from the left of attacking midfield or as part of a front three.

A player blessed with pace and agility, he can slalom through defences while dribbling and while his right foot is certainly his strongest, he is equally adept using his left.

His game time could be affected when Eden Hazard returns to training, however, as the Belgian also prefers to drift in from the left, so switching Hudson-Odoi to the right could be an option.

Getty Images

What players and coaches say about him

When quizzed about Hudson-Odoi's performance, Sarri confirmed what we knew already. "He is a very young player", the Italian coach said. "We have to wait. In the future, he will be a very, very strong player."

It's safe to say he has the senior players' approval too, as Cesar Azpilicueta praised the youngster's performance. "If he keeps doing that he will be very important for the team", the Spaniard said.

"It is all about consistency. He is coming from an academy level. He played with us a few times last season and he is improving. That is really important."

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Contract status

Chelsea regard Hudson-Odoi as their most valuable prospect coming through the ranks and have offered him professional terms, with a five-year deal and a lucrative pay-rise on the table.

Sarri has been informed by the youth coaches about the importance of keeping him and the Italian seemed to agree, as he was quick to guarantee that the highly-rated winger will be part of his first-team squad this coming season.

But there is a genuine concern that Hudson-Odoi, who has been at Chelsea since the age of six, could follow the swarm of English youth players moving abroad. Barcelona and Real Madrid have registered an interest and that has prompted Chelsea to move quickly to secure his long-term future. Whether he signs or not is another matter.

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