Rio Ferdinand raves about Chelsea star's display, says it's the best he's ever seen from him
Rio Ferdinand was highly impressed by the performance of Callum Hudson-Odoi for Chelsea against Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday.
Ferdinand was covering Chelsea’s 0-0 draw against Wolverhampton for BT Sport and instantly identified the 20-year-old’s notable display.
“It was the best I’ve seen Hudson-Odoi, to be honest with you. He was their most creative player, their outlet. Late in the game he defended well.”
Hudson-Odoi provided a decent outlet in his auxiliary position of right-wing back but Chelsea was extremely passive until Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic were brought on for the final 15 minutes.
Ferdinand also alluded to this fact, saying: “I said that at half-time and it wasn’t until Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount came on the pitch that they looked a little bit threatening.
“What he would have learned is that he went for experience today like he said before the game, but I think Mount and Pulisic are the people that will give them that thrust at the top of the pitch.”
Tuchel’s debut in the Chelsea dugout was certainly not a blockbuster but he should have been satisfied with the result considering he’d only been allowed one training session with his new squad.
It was very much a possession-based system deployed by the German that lacked anything cut throat in the final third.
Both Mount and Pulisic provided more energy alongside Hudson-Odoi’s directiveness. Tuchel’s changes came too late in the match to have any meaningful effect, however he will certainly have more of a selection dilemma for the weekend’s fixture at home to Burnley.
Mount was harshly left out by the coach having been Chelsea’s most impressive performer this season and recently captaining his boyhood club against Morecambe.
Pulisic had picked up a slight knock in that FA Cup tie but is a firm favourite of Tuchel’s from their time at Borussia Dortmund, so expect to see plenty of the American.
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I think Ferdinand was spot on his comments. Hudson-Odoi was Chelsea’s best player and didn’t look out of place in his new role.
It was clear to see that Chelsea were lifted when Mount and Pulisic came on the pitch and they have to be in contention for Burnley.
I thought Kai Havertz was quiet again and could well be withdrawn. The same goes for Olivier Giroud. Jorginho was average, so Tuchel has plenty of options for the pair to replace.
