After Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Vidi, we ask what we learned from the game.
Hudson-Odoi should be groomed as Hazard’s eventual successor.
Eden Hazard is fairly likely to leave for Real Madrid in the near future. Chelsea are also facing the serious possibility of having to deal with a transfer ban. Both of these factors make it all the more important that Chelsea do everything they can to keep Callum Hudson-Odoi at Chelsea.
He is an extraordinarily skillful dribbler for one so young as he can shift the ball with both feet equally well. He has a great eye for a pass and his shooting is very good already. The Londoner has what it tales to soften the blow of Hazard’s departure and possibly become just as good a player.
2. The second team is many levels below the first team
Compare the team’s performance against Manchester City to the display today. Sarri made ten changes to the team that played City and the whole performance was so disjointed as a result. The pressing was extremely poor. Vidi only had to make two good passes and they were in behind the midfield.
Going forward, the intensity and coherence in the link up play was not there, showing how little practice playing together these players have. The Blues relied on free kicks and flashes of individual brilliance from the likes of Fabregas and Hudson-Odoi to create any chances.
3. Morata looks like a man who knows he is leaving
Morata’s knee injury he sustained during the game may or may not be serious. It is difficult to tell with him. Regardless, the Spaniard’s body language showed that he did not want to be on the pitch. In fact, it seems that he has not wanted to be on any pitch in England for about a year.
Rumours abound that Chelsea will loan out Morata in January with a view to selling him in the summer. The 26-year-ol will probably be delighted to escape to the friendlier environment of Serie A. At this point, he is going through the motions.