Frank Lampard has informed Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi that he will start against Aston Villa
According to Chelsea TV (h/t The Metro), Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is set to unleash Callum Hudson-Odoi against Aston Villa on Monday.
Having recently returned from a two-week layoff, the 20-year-old started on the bench against Arsenal. He came on for the unimpressive Timo Werner at half-time and made the assist for Tammy Abraham’s goal.
“Callum was fantastic with his energy. That’s what we absolutely needed.”
However, it was just a flash in the pan as the Blues fell to a 3-1 loss to the Gunners.
Despite the result, Lampard has seen enough of the youngster to draft him into the starting line-up for our next match. With Aston Villa set to visit the Bridge on Monday, Hudon-Odoi has a chance to make an impression.
“That’s why he’ll play in the next game and if Callum plays like that he can be a serious player.”
Playing players in their best positions
Bringing in the youngster will also see the Chelsea attack regain better balance. Shunning Timo Werner off the left has seen Christian Pulisic deployed on the right.
The shift to accommodate the German ace has in fact seen us minimise the attacking intensity on both flanks. Werner has failed to make an impact on the left while Pulisic looks out of sorts on the right.
The American international is a better player on the left and could be shifted back if Werner is benched against Villa. Hudson-Odoi has predominantly played for the Blues on the right and it makes sense to deploy him there on Monday.
With two out-and-out wingers playing in their natural and arguably best positions, there will be more directness and threat from the Blues strikeforce.
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Hudson-Odoi has made 13 appaearances for Chelsea this season and has scored three goals and made one assist. (h/ t Transfermarkt)
It was reported earlier this month that Chelsea are willing to let go of the youngster in order to reduce their squad size. Hudson-Odoi now has an opportunity to showcase what he can do.