“Best I’ve seen” – PL legend hails young Chelsea star as Tuchel era gets underway

Rio Ferdinand full of praise for Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi

Speaking on BT Sport (h/t Metro), Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi.

The 20-year-old was the lone academy product included in the starting XI for Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge of Chelsea. The Blues dominated possession but failed to break down the Wolverhampton Wanderers attack.

Tuchel’s men showed plenty of promise. However, they had to settle for a draw in his first game in charge. Despite the disappointment, a few players impressed.

The one who caught Ferdinand’s eye was Hudson-Odoi. The youngster played in a position akin to that of a right-wing back in Tuchel’s 3-4-2-1 system.

He impressed at both ends of the pitch and put up an excellent performance. Ferdinand believes it was the best he had seen of the youngster in Blue.

“It was the best I’ve seen Hudson Odoi to be honest with you. He was the most creative player, he was the outlet. Late on in the game he defended well.”

Hudson-Odoi had stepped up his game in recent weeks for Chelsea. If first impressions are anything to go by, he looks set to continue his purple patch under Tuchel.

Ferdinand also touted Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount to play a key role in Tuchel’s new setup. Despite dominating possession, Chelsea were unable to breach the Wolves defence.

The introduction of Pulisic and Mount made things easier as we came close to a breakthrough. Hopefully, the duo will improve in the weeks to come as they acclimatize themselves to Tuchel’s demands.

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Chelsea next face Burnley on 31st January before the mammoth clash against Tottenham on February 5. Wins against both teams will surely help convince doubters that Tuchel is indeed the real deal.