OPINION: Mount has started to nurse the consequences of featuring nearly 60 times last season and must be rested to prevent injury, which can open the door to Hudson-Odoi’s highly sought after chance
Callum Hudson-Odoi can arrive at Cobham training ground and lodge his strongest case yet for an opportunity to flaunt his artistry following Mason Mount’s and Kai Havertz’s lustreless display against Tottenham.
Chelsea waltzed past Spurs in a rampant three-goal demolition which saw Thomas Tuchel’s side eventually shift into gear following an uninspired opening half.
The Blues boss was keen to stimulate a response at the halfway mark with a change in shape and personnel that hosted the culling of Mount from starting eleven for N’Golo Kante.
Tuchel shifted the momentum into Chelsea’s favour with his inspired change, suppressing Nuno Espirito Santo’s persistent waves of attacks before Thiago Silva opened the scoring followed by goals from Kante and Antonio Rudiger.
However, a key turning point in the tie stemmed from the former Paris Saint Germain boss’ proactiveness to recognise the emerging danger on the horizon, his intellect to solve said problem and the courage to act upon his findings by extracting a fan favourite, Mount, from the field of play.
The Blues boss labelled the west Londoners as a side who lacked energy, intent and relentlessness in the first half, which was symbolic of the England international’s recent displays.
Tuchel said: “I was absolutely not happy with the first 45 minutes. We lacked intent, energy and relentlessness in duels and 50-50 balls.”
Mount was tentative against Zenit, and alike versus Tottenham, which is normal for a player who appears to be nursing the by-products of playing 59 games across all competitions for club and country as a stalwart feature.
The substitution of Chelsea’s number 19 is by no means a sour omission but rather the first steps to Mount, the club and the Three Lions finally understanding and gaging his physical limitations over the course of a season.
Mount’s strongest asset – his determination and sheer willingness to succeed – has become his biggest weakness, leading him into an avenue of injuries and setbacks.
So, following a lethargic display against Spurs, it is now important that Mount is given sufficient time to rest which can consequently welcome Hudson-Odoi to the stage.
Hudson-Odoi seemingly went through a rebranding period at Chelsea under Tuchel as sought minutes from right wing-back, remoulded himself into the said role.
But, the 20-year-old is a winger by trade having earned his stripes climbing the ranks in the said role at the academy, so an opportunity to supplement Romelu Lukaku in Tuchel’s front-three should be proposed.
The Belgian talisman, who is yet to ignite a burning relationship with a specific creator at Chelsea despite his fruitful returns, enjoyed operating on a harmonious wavelength with Lautaro Martinez at Inter Milan.
Albeit the Argentine striker and Hudson-Odoi are different profiles, Lukaku may strike a tune out of the Cobham graduate and birth a new era of attacking endeavours.
With Mount in need of a rest, Chelsea’s number twenty can deliver Tuchel a strong proposition as to why he should be trusted with the reins of spearheading the west Londoner’s attacking force.
Hudson-Odoi, compared to positional peers in the men’s big 5 leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days, sit in the 98th percentile for progressive carries with the ball recording an incredible 11.9 per 90 minutes.
He is also a brave and affluent goal creator who doesn’t fear the impossible pass, which is something Chelsea have often lacked and second-guessed when galloping forward in attacking transitions.
The England youth international’s directness, quality of the final ball, versatility against varying tactical systems and ability to produce moments of magic will attract Tuchel especially with Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup and Manchester City in the Premier League fast approaching.
