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It’s no secret that Chelsea have a world-class youth system, winning 16 youth trophies since Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich took over the club. With this in mind, you would assume that Chelsea would be able to convert their crop of talented youngsters into first team players. Sadly, this isn’t the case as the only player to make a worthwhile breakthrough into the first team after coming through the youth academy was club legend, John Terry.
Chelsea’s previous track record with nurturing talent won’t exactly give Hudson-Odoi too much hope for the future but the wonderkid is held in high regard by Maurizio Sarri after impressing during the preseason.
Born on the 7th of November, 2000, London, Hudson-Odoi is a true homegrown talent. Joining the club in 2007, he played for the under-8’s and quickly progressed up through the ranks. Soon he found himself playing for the under-18s, racking up 16 goals and 10 assists in 31 appearances. In the under-23’s he decimated opponents with 11 goals and 5 assists in 20 appearances. The 18-year-old has proven time and time again that his talent is simply wasted at underage level. Given his ability, he would be talented enough to play in the Championship or at least League One.
Hudson Odoi is a versatile attacking player, he features mainly on the left wing mainly because of his athleticism, raw pace and dribbling ability, a combination of which make him a nightmare for full backs. Surprisingly, the youngster is strong considering his small frame and possesses enough physical attributes to cope with the harsh realities of English football.
Over the years, a lot of flashy wingers have whizzed up and down the sidelines at Stamford Bridge but very few had enough end product. Callum Hudson-Odoi stands out from the crowd in this respect, with his slick finishing ability, mature decision making and composure in front of goal. He frequently amazes the crowds at Chelsea and England youth games, with his outstanding trickery and blistering pace. In addition, he has a level maturity on and off the pitch that is rarely seen in young players nowadays, not cowering away into the shadows on the big stage, especially not at a World Cup Final, albeit it was U-17’s.
It is no surprise all the big clubs in Europe have been tracking the young English forward. Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Atlético Madrid are just a sample of teams that were chasing his signature in the summer before signing a new five year contract.
With the talents of two English wonderkids, Reiss Nelson and Jadon Sancho lighting up the Bundesliga, it’s not surprising Hudson-Odoi is already being linked with a move to Germany. According to reports on social media, Dortmund are keen to offer to him an opportunity. If this speculation transfer is true, it would be too tempting for the winger turn down the chance to showcase his ability in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Whether Callum Hudson-Odoi makes it at Chelsea or elsewhere, the name will almost certainly be one that is said in awe. Let’s hope for everyone’s sake, he will be given a proper chance at Chelsea to progress and doesn’t end up on loan at Vitesse!
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