Micha Richards was completely complimentary of Callum Hudson-Odoi after Chelsea’s win over Burnley and said their new system suited him perfectly.
Speaking on Match of the Day 2, the former Manchester City defender could not speak highly enough of Hudson-Odoi and his performance.
“Hudson-Odoi was the star of the show. Only 20-years-old. He gets better and better every time I see him.
“He’s got everything for this wing back position. He can drive at people.
“There’s going to be times where its clustered and you need to have a good cross into the box, which he’s got that. We all know he can dribble.”
Chelsea recorded their first victory of the Thomas Tuchel era against Burnley at Stamford Bridge where Hudson-Odoi shone in his novel wing-back role.
Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta grabbed the goals but it was the 20-year-old’s all-round display that impressed Richards.
“He’s going to create all sorts for Chelsea,” he continued in his appraisal.
“Because he’s so good one versus one, you’ve got to have more than just crossing the ball. There’s going to be times where its tight and you need to go one versus one. For that role he’s absolutely perfect.”
Hudson-Odoi among several others have seemingly turned a corner under Tuchel and his revised formation.
Both of the goal scorers fit into this category, along with Antonio Rudiger and Jorginho.
Chelsea now have four points from the managers first two matches in charge, with Hudson-Odoi starting and starring in both.
He cleverly assisted Azpilicueta’s opener on the weekend and almost grabbed a goal for himself but was denied by the post.
This is the first time all season that the England international has started three consecutive league games, an indication of Tuchel’s desire to include Hudson-Odoi wherever possible.
The Chelsea coach substituted him after 73 minutes with one eye on the upcoming London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday.
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I don’t think there can be any arguments with Richards on this one. Hudson-Odoi has been excellent since Tuchel’s arrival and we may have found his prime position.
It will be interesting to see when he comes up against tougher opposition, but I’m sure they will be working on that on the training ground.
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