Tuchel issue stark warning to Hudson-Odoi despite stellar performance against Norwich

Updated: 23 Oct 2021 15:47 BST
7 min read

Could Dortmund replace Jadon Sancho with Callum Hudson-Odoi next season? — © ProShots

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has Callum Hudson-Odoi that he’ll have to continue producing good performances consistently if he wants to stay in the starting XI.

The English winger was drafted into Chelsea’s team for their early kick off against Norwich on Saturday and played a pivotal role in the Stamford Bridge side winning 7-0.

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Not only did Hudson-Odoi bag his own goal, but his drilled cross deep in the second half also forced Max Aarons to deflect the ball into his own net.

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And while Tuchel was delighted for the young winger, he also took the opportunity to warn Hudson-Odoi that performances like the one he witnessed against Norwich will have to become more common if he wants a starting role in Chelsea’s team.

“He had a good game against Malmo, another good game today,” said Tuchel after Saturday’s clash. “There are still things to improve and work on, but it's on him.

“It's like I said before the game, he has to show he has to produce performances like this consistently and it's time to show. Next performance is on Tuesday.”

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Can Hudson-Odoi nail down a starting role at Chelsea?

While Tuchel may be taking a stern approach to Hudson-Odoi’s development at Chelsea, there is plenty for the young player to be optimistic about.

The German manager clearly opted to start the winger over Hakim Ziyech on Saturday for specific reasons, and with Timo Werner, Romelu Lukaku and Christian Pulisic all out injured, it seems almost certain that Hudson-Odoi will be given another starting role against Southampton on Tuesday.

If the English winger can perform in that game and then possibly against Newcastle the following weekend, he may be able to establish himself as one of Tuchel’s preferred options in a team full of inconsistent and often injury-prone forwards.