Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has explained the reason why Callum Hudson-Odoi has taken on a new position at Chelsea.
Thomas Tuchel says he already pictured Callum Hudson-Odoi as a wing-back even before his first game as a Chelsea boss.
Many were left scratching their heads when the German manager deployed the youngster on the right side of a 3-4-2-1 formation for his formation.
It saw Hudson-Odoi basically feature as a right wing-back. The 20-year-old has been deployed in that position for the Blues’ last two games against Wolves and Burnley.
Call it or luck or tactical genius, the switch has proven to be an inspired one.
In both of Thomas Tuchel’s games at Chelsea so far, Hudson-Odoi has been the best Blues player on the pitch. For the Blues’ victory against Burnley, he was the only player that looked like a threat upfront and he was named man of the match by the fans.
The youngster has been afforded a deeper role and has impressed with his direct running for attack and willingness to track back on the defensive side.
Thomas Tuchel has now explained his decision to play Hudson-Odoi as a wing-back instead of the usual right attacking wing role he played.
“I didn’t know he hadn’t played wing-back before,” said Tuchel to the club’s website.
“Maybe it was a good thing I didn’t ask because maybe I would have doubted my decision!”
“We just had one training session before the Wolves game. We were flying in on the same day and wondering what structure to implement to give the team a good feeling, and to have a solid block defensively but also to attack freely.”
“To play with four you have to be very disciplined, and the automatisms between the line of four have to be very synchronised.”
“So we opted for a back five and we didn’t want to get too defensive. We thought about trying Reece and Callum on the right side in training. Callum fitted very good and we wanted to have at least four offensive guys on the pitch from the start.”
“We just let him drive and he did very good, showing all his qualities he has: the high speed, the quick recoveries, dribbles, good one-on-one.”
Tuchel continued on Hudson-Odoi: “He took his chance.”
“There was no need to change for the second game and he did another good match.”
“Maybe in some defensive duels in the air there is space to improve, but this is absolutely normal. I am very happy he was happy to be on the pitch. He has given his best and that’s what we have asked for.”
Hudson-Odoi is in line to keep his position when Chelsea travel to north London to face Tottenham on Thursday nice.
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