Callum Hudson-Odoi is severely underrated, and that really grinds my gears.
It was only three years ago when European giants Bayern Munich saw something in the young talent and opted to make a bid for the then 18-year-old. The same time frame saw Chelsea fans protest in their masses for Maurizo Sarri to give him more game time ahead of Willian.
He may not be as adored as Mason Mount by the fan base, but his journey towards building a legacy has begun on the same trajectory, but both of these Cobham graduates deserve to be hailed as two of many successful youngsters. Unfortunately, that’s not entirely the case.
You cannot put Mount and Hudson-Odoi against each other when it comes to their Chelsea careers. Mount is given the respect he deserves, but for some reason, Hudson-Odoi falls victim to scrutiny, and it just feels wrong.
The start of Hudson-Odoi's Chelsea journey was not all glitz and glamour. It wasn't as smooth sailing as Mount's or Reece James' either. Mount has been fortunate enough to have played under Frank Lampard previously and slid into his starting 11 with ease after a successful season on loan at Derby. Hudson-Odoi had to prove his worth to former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri before he could get serious game time in the competitions that mattered most. Though he'd only managed 23 apps in the 18/19 season, the youngster had lit up the Chelsea squad, adding an extra edge to their attack.
Eden Hazard was often the main man, creating and scoring goals when nobody else would. Hudson-Odoi looked to be the closest player to match Hazard's energy, making him special amongst the fan base.
The blaring calls for the Cobham graduate to see more game time seemed to have simmered down following a severe injury to his Achilles tendon in 2019. The severity of his injury could have set him back so early on in his career. Once the appointment of Lampard came around, he once again had to prove that he was worth a starting position but this time to a much less patient Chelsea fan base.
Scoring only four goals in 33 matches in the 19/20 season, I guess many gave up on the idea of seeing their potential star boy rise to the expectation, even in light of his contributions toward Chelsea's Europa League victory in the previous year. It's as if all had been forgotten.
Thomas Tuchel reignited the possibility of Hudson-Odoi fulfilling his prophecy. Whilst growing into the new right-wingback role, the 21-year-old exceeded expectations and proved again just how worthy he is to be hailed as a future Chelsea legend. He may not have the big assist in the Champions League final, but he has one in the Club World Cup final. Surely his accolades should be as loud as the doubt was.
Now, I am not saying he's reached the levels of John Terry or that we should write Hudson-Odoi's name in gold and build his statue in front of the Millenium reception at Stamford Bridge. I just struggle in a world where the 21-year-old doesn't receive the accolades that he deserves. Let's put some respect on his name.
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