Thomas Tuchel confessed that he decided on deploying Callum Hudson-Odoi at wing-back whilst he was flying over from France to become Chelsea manager.
The Chelsea website detailed his last-minute plans as he was en route from Paris to seal his new job in London.
“I didn’t know he hadn’t played wing-back before,” admitted Tuchel.
“Maybe it was a good thing I didn’t ask because maybe I would have doubted my decision!
“We just had one training session before the Wolves game. We were flying in on the same day and wondering what structure to implement to give the team a good feeling, and to have a solid block defensively but also to attack freely.
“So we opted for a back five and we didn’t want to get too defensive. We thought about trying Reece and Callum on the right side in training.
“Callum fitted very good and we wanted to have at least four offensive guys on the pitch from the start.”
Tuchel’s late tactical change has certainly paid off for both player and coach.
Chelsea have remained undefeated in their last two games and Hudson-Odoi has been the standout performer in both.
He was easily the most positive aspect of the Blues 0-0 with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
And he stepped up a level when Chelsea cruised past Burnley 2-0 by grabbing his fourth assist of the season.
A trip to Tottenham Hotspur lies over the horizon and Hudson-Odoi will be hoping to make it a hattrick of impressive displays on his newly accustomed role.
Because of this largely untried method, the 20-year-old is learning on the job and his Tuchel pointed this out.
“Maybe in some defensive duels in the air there is space to improve, but this is absolutely normal,” he added. “I am very happy he was happy to be on the pitch. He has given his best and that’s what we have asked for.”
Hudson-Odoi will be looking to start three consecutive Premier League games for the first time all season against Spurs.
The Chelsea Chronicle View
Are we seeing the second Victor Moses? Some might find cringe at that comparison but hear me out.
Antonio Conte transformed him from a natural winger into an astute, title-winning wing-back. Sounds familiar?
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