Thomas Tuchel admitted to reporters that Callum Hudson-Odoi’s ‘best position’ for Chelsea was in an attacking role rather than a defensive one.
Hudson-Odoi is yet to tie down a specific job under the German coach, nor a regular inclusion in the starting XI.
At first, it appeared the 20-year-old had secured the right-wing back slot.
Having never played this position previously, Tuchel started Hudson-Odoi there in both of his first two Premier League games in charge of Chelsea.
As the months moved by, the England international’s appearances became less frequent.
Reece James settled in as a more natural wing-back, with Cesar Azpilicueta also stepping in for the biggest matches.
As Tuchel’s team took shape, Hudson-Odoi was limited to substitute cameos.
He performed his part well in the recent win over Manchester City after featuring for the final 14 minutes.
Here, Hudson-Odoi was deployed further up field and Tuchel believed this suited his abilities better.
“On the inside position, where he played against Man City, this is maybe his best position,” explained the Blues boss.
“We agree on that. The big change and the big impact he had when we brought him on was not only one action; within one action it was two or three accelerations and decelerations.”
Most Chelsea fan will agree that Hudson-Odoi’s most profitable role is as a forward.
Unfortunately, Tuchel has plenty in that department to choose from.
Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Hakim Ziyech are all jostling to be involved in Chelsea’s front three.
Not to mention Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham, who can’t get a look in at the minute.
With the campaign coming to its conclusion, Hudson-Odoi may have to bide his time before he breaks back into the Blues line-up again.
Chronicle View
I can see both sides of this argument.
When Hudson-Odoi initially featured at wing-back, I thought this could really suit him.
He’s got the pace to get up and down the line, with a decent delivery in his locker.
Two of his three league assists this season have arrived from wing-back.
Personally, I’d like to see him playing closer to the opponent’s goal, so he can show off his dribbling skills.
The less he spends worrying about his defensive duties, the more he can expressive himself offensively.
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