Chelsea solve Eden Hazard transfer dilemma as Callum Hudson-Odoi hands Thomas Tuchel verdict – Jake Stokes
Thomas Tuchel faced a major Callum Hudson-Odoi dilemma after the Cobham graduate’s recent display against Southampton suggested that Eden Hazard’s claims about his former team-mate might turn out to be correct.
The 20-year-old winger has shown glimpses of following in Hazard’s footsteps after a succession of punches and turns completed an exciting phase of interaction with Mateo Kovacic against the Saints.
Hudson-Odoi bonded well with the Croatian midfielder – just as former Chelsea number ten once did under Maurizio Sarri – with his smart touch, tight turn and raw acceleration opening an attack.
While the England international was only entitled to a handful of games under Thomas Tuchel, Hudson-Odoi secured a place in the Blues’ top three against Norwich, only to be sacked in a role of right winger for the clash alongside Ralph Hasenhüttl.
Hudson-Odoi performed well in the Chelsea back-five when called up, however, amid Roman Abramovich‘s reported interest in bringing Hazard back to Stamford Bridge, Hudson-Odoi’s stellar performance means the billionaire Russian already has the answer to the question ‘Should Chelsea re-sign the Belgian magician?’.
Abramovich believes Hazard can rekindle his status as one of the best players in the world if he returns to Chelsea, according to El Nacional.
Real Madrid striker’s approval of Hudson-Odoi in 2019 may save Chelsea the £ 34million El Nacional claims the Blues are willing to spend on Hazard.
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And, if the Chelsea youngster’s demands – for increased playing time and a place in the top three – are not met, then West London could find itself losing one of its precious assets – a critical situation against which Hazard has already warned his former club.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hazard called Hudson-Odoi the future of Chelsea and said he was more than ready to seize the opportunity.
“He is the future of Chelsea,” he began. “I told him before. He’s still young but when you see him he looks like he played 10 years.
“He has quality, sometimes I understand that it is difficult to have young players in the team, but when he has the chance to play they have to show that they are ready and Callum is showing that at the moment. . “
Hazard then added how Hudson-Odoi can be Chelsea’s main man for “a long time”, essentially ruling out his return to Stamford Bridge in 2019 already.
“He’s a great guy to work with, he’s been fantastic,” said the Belgian. “He wants to learn and he’s young so I hope Chelsea can keep him for a long time.”
All Chelsea fans would love to see Hazard at the club again, but surely we owe it to Hudson-Odoi for letting him prove that the Real Madrid man isn’t needed?
Do you want Callum Hudson-Odoi to have more chances at Chelsea? Follow our CareFree Chelsea trend editor Jake stokes on Twitter to join the discussion and give us your feedback in the comments section below.