Maurizio Sarri believes Callum Hudson-Odoi is ready to play in bigger games and currently is on the same level as Willian and Pedro.
The Chelsea head coach said this after the 18-year old’s masterclass opened up Nottingham Forest’s resolute defense last weekend in the FA Cup. The Blues dispatched their Championship opponents with a 2-0 win in the third round of the competition.
It summed a fine week for the bright youngster who has been strongly linked with a move to Bayern Munich after the German champions submitted two bids for him. Both were in fact rejected by Chelsea who have shown intent on keeping the talented winger.
Shortly after insisting Hudson-Odoi must remain patient and exploit the opportunities in English football, Sarri shockingly added that the player is currently at par with two of his most trusted wingers, Willian and Pedro.
“He is ready I think [to play in the bigger games]. Of course, we have very important players in the same position. I can play with only two wingers. But now he is ready.
Of course, some times he will be on the bench but the same as Willian and Pedro. I can start to consider him on the same level.”
Maurizio Sarri, Metro
Chelsea have signed Christian Pulisic ahead of a summer move but have reassured Hudson-Odoi that he will not be pushed to the side when the American arrives.
