Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has claimed to journalist Manuel Veth that he is keen to keep hold of Chelsea loanee Callum Hudson-Odoi.
The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder has begun the turnaround of the Bundesliga side, after a poor start to the season.
The club’s dire form coincided with a tough start to life away from Stamford Bridge for Hudson-Odoi.
The Englishman is yet to score in the league, providing just one assist despite often starting in an attacking role.
While he did find the net in the Champions League, it wasn’t enough for Leverkusen to advance from what looked a routine European group.
However, he has begun his time under Alonso well, shown by his performance in last night’s friendly.
Alonso praises Hudson-Odoi
Hudson-Odoi found the net against Salt Lake City, whilst also setting up one of his teammates in a 3-0 win.
After the game, he received praise from the Spaniard, who described him as an ‘important player’.
He said: “I want to keep him a lot. I am sure that he will stay until the end of the season. He is an important player for us.”
There had been rumours that Chelsea may be willing to call the 22-year-old back in January, with them still not impressing in wide attacking areas.
After Thomas Tuchel elected not to feature him in his favourite role, some fans may want to see how he will perform with Graham Potter.
As of now, it is unlikely that Hudson-Odoi will be recalled before the season ends. However, Potter’s current regime of giving all of his players a chance will surely stretch to the players currently out on loan, and the winger will be hoping he can take his chance to progress at the team he grew up with.