Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi says he prefers playing in attacking role rather than at wing-back
Speaking to the club’s official website, Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has revealed that he prefers playing in an attacking position, as the freedom he gets to create and score goals is part and parcel of his natural approach to the game.
Another one of Cobham’s products to come through the ranks and succeed in the first team, the youngster has seen himself deployed in various roles this season under coach Thomas Tuchel. The German has made the most of the winger’s versatility, also using him often in a defence-minded wing-back role as the club deals with major injuries in the full-back spot.
Because of the different positions he has found himself playing this season, Hudson-Odoi admits to adopting a different mentality during games depending on his role and its requirements. It is a testament to his professionalism that he continues to give his best even when used out of position.
“There are times in a game when I’m playing wing-back and I’m looking forward and thinking I can go forward here, but then I know, just in case, if I do and we then lose the ball and it’s a counter-attack the run back is very far. So sometimes you decide to stay back. It depends, it’s always different situations in the game where I’m thinking I can go forward here and I can create a chance from this position or even score, but it’s vice versa and it depends on how the scenario is in the game.”
The Cobham product remarked that although he was being played as a wing-back this season, he is benefiting from the experience and is developing into a better all-round player. Despite tempering his natural urge to bomb forward and attack, the winger said he has learnt to tackle and make sure he is in the right positions at all times. This augurs well to his defensive understanding of the game
Role change for Hudson-Odoi?
Hudson-Odoi was most recently seen playing in his natural position on the wing against Tottenham Hotspur in the league, and the winger picked up an assist in the Blues’ 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge. The youngster seemed to relish being back on the flanks in an attacking role as he twisted and turned his way around the Spurs defence on the left wing and broke free in the opposition half, feeding teammate Hakim Ziyech who opened the scoring for Chelsea.
Although a versatile player, when asked about his preference in attack or defence, the Englishman revealed that he loves to play in an attacking position, either as a winger or a No.10 as he gets to be more direct and take on the opposition.
“I’d definitely say I prefer more-attacking positions for myself, as a winger or a No.10 kind of player. Obviously I like to be direct and try to create scoring opportunities for the team, hopefully try to score some myself. Playing in that position I’m more comfortable and I feel more free while playing there as well.”
Hudson-Odoi’s recent comments may be a message to Tuchel, who has been using him out of position in a more defence-oriented role. It must be said that the German is short-handed at the moment when it comes to options in defence, so playing the 21-year-old as a wing-back is more of a necessity than choice.
The Englishman made full use of his attacking freedom against Spurs and was back to his brilliant best, showing exactly why he is rated among the most exciting young talents in the English top-flight. Picking up an assist in the game was mere icing on the cake for the winger as he turned on the style that night.
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Although the Cobham graduate has looked uncomfortable at times in defence, he seems to have admitted that playing in the position makes him a better player in the long run. Being a versatile footballer will certainly add to Hudson-Odoi’s traits and help him develop into a better-rounded player.
Only 21, the winger has shown he is capable of doing a job even when deployed out of position. This augurs well for his development and showcases the talent that he possesses. The future looks bright for Hudson-Odoi, and his commitment to the team is sure to be rewarded soon.