New Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri gave Chelsea wonderkid Callum Hudson-Odoi a start in his first pre-season friendly against Perth Glory on Monday, and fans were blown away by the 17-year-old.
Hudson-Odoi played the first 45 minutes, where Chelsea led after an early Pedro goal, and the attacking midfielder grasped his chance with both hands, putting in a dazzling display.
The 17-year-old has come up through the youth ranks at Chelsea and has made four senior appearances, getting on the pitch for two Premier League games last season against Bournemouth and Tottenham.
And a load of Chelsea fans think that he’s ready to make the leap up into the senior squad next season, despite being so young.
His performance today will have helped him out no end, with one fan saying he didn’t want to overhype him but he would win the Ballon d’Or three times in the next five years.
Another said he is ready for the first-team.
Hudson-Odoi was taken off at half-time and the game finished 1-0 to Chelsea, giving Sarri his first win in charge.
Here are the best reactions from excited Chelsea fans:
Hudson Odoi is better than Willian
— Hamza (@KeenNomad) July 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/CescMagician/status/1021379415735926784
https://twitter.com/SoCalChelseaFan/status/1021380271130619904
Ok! First half was so so good. Fun to watch! HUDSON ODOI IS READY FOR OUR FIRST TEAM! Jorginho is awesome! Excited! #cfc
— ??????????? (@AustriaBlue) July 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/don_tainer/status/1021370991723917312
Hudson-Odoi has been brilliant first half.
— Aaron Stone (@ads25490) July 23, 2018
Good First Half.
High pressing fast football.Hudson Odoi is Lit.
Jorginho already bossing.
Ampadu brilliant.
Morata same old same old still.Concern, Chelsea look out of shape when stretched to the flanks. Leaving a lot of space in the midfield. Can't risk against City/pool. https://t.co/bqSMY9ozrb
— Chelsea Edits ?? (@chelsea_edit) July 23, 2018
Can we honostly start hudson odoi this coming season pls, we need him
— daREALgoose (@GoosenRushe) July 23, 2018
It's only pre season against Perth glory, yeah, but Cesc fits into Sarri's system perfectly.
Berkley will ball.
Hudson-Odoi is boy wonder.
Milan needs to table their offer for Morata. NOW— Nybd Drinks (@thenybd1) July 23, 2018
OPINION
Chelsea haven’t got a great reputation when it comes to giving young homegrown players a chance in the senior team. Many Chelsea fans are hoping that Sarri is going to be different and think that Hudson-Odoi is ready for the his shot now. He’s only 17-years-old but he played with a maturity far beyond his years against Perth and we, like other Chelsea fans, hope that he gets more than just a loan move to prove himself next campaign. He deserves a shot in the Chelsea team, even as an impact player off the bench. With Willian rumoured to be on the move, have Chelsea already found their new attacking star?