Keep Callum and carry on
CESAR’S ADVICE TO BLUES WHIZZ KID
CESAR AZPILICUETA says Chelsea wonderkid Callum Hudson-Odoi has all of the qualities to be a star this season – if he keeps his feet on the ground.
Hudson-Odoi, who will not be 18 until November, has been given the chance by new boss Maurizio Sarri to stake his claim in pre-season.
And the youngster from Wandsworth, south London, has grabbed it with both hands.
Misfiring
The lightning-quick Hudson-Odoi was one of the stars of England’s Under-17 World Cup-winning side last year and has been a revelation this summer.
Had misfiring striker Alvaro Morata not missed four great chances, all provided by the skills of Hudson-Odoi against Arsenal on Wednesday – including fluffing a penalty that the youngster won – Chelsea would have put the game beyond Unai Emery’s side instead of losing a penalty shoot-out.
Afterwards Sarri confirmed that Hudson-Odoi, who made only four substitute appearances last term under Antonio Conte, would be part of his first team squad this season.
Skipper on the night Azpilicueta said: “Callum is really young, he has shown great quality, great character and he is playing very well. His performances this pre-season have been very good.
“I am sure that if he keeps doing the things that he’s doing at the moment he will be very important for us. Every time he went one versus one against the defender he was creating problems”
Chelsea have offered HudsonOdoi a new five-year contract to keep predators at bay and he will not be loaned out this season.
But when the likes of Eden Hazard return from World Cup duty his chances of first team action could be limited.
But the Europa League and the Carabao Cup could give Sarri the chance to give him playing time.
Azpilicueta warned that Chelsea are still getting to grips with the change of style that Sarri is trying to introduce.
The Spaniard, whose side face Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday, said: “It’s a different way. From the first day we have been trying to learn what he wants.
“You never know how long it can take.”