Callum Hudson-Odoi once again wasn't trusted to start a game for Chelsea in the Europa League against Dynamo Kiev but he still got on the scoresheet. Despite his impact Maurizio Sarri had words of caution on the youngster.
The greatest football mystery right now is why Maurizio Sarri continues to refuse to let Callum Hudson-Odoi start football matches. The teenage winger doesn't even get to start in Europa League games, starting on the bench on Thursday against Dynamo Kiev.
There is clearly a thirst from Blues' fans to see their young prospect play more football, after all they've barely seen an academy player break through to become a first team regular since John Terry, and during a time when their form hasn't been great.
The nadir of Chelsea fans frustration of not seeing the 18 year old was during the recent FA Cup loss to Manchester United. With the team 2-0 down Sarri decided to bring on Davide Zappacosta instead of the more attacking option.
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On Thursday night the teenager did get on in the 78th minute and took just four minutes to score in the Europa League but once again his manager put a dent in any happiness.
Speaking after the match Sarri said it would take four to five years for Hudson-Odoi to become a top player, saying:
"He needs to improve because he can arrive at the top only at 22 or 23, like every other player. So I now think we need to improve without the pressure of the media, without the pressure of the fans, without the pressure of the club"
There's a lot of pressure on Sarri and the club because the English winger tried to force a move away from the club in January, with Bayern Munich, keen to sign him, and the player wanted out.
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Next season there might be even fewer opportunities for Hudson-Odoi with Christian Pulisic signed by the Premier League side in January and joining the club in the summer.
Pulisic's signing also questions Sarri's theory on being a top player as it means they've spent £58 million on a player they don't expect to be a top player for another two or three years.
It's no wonder that Hudson-Odoi wants to leave Chelsea as it still seems he's so far away from being allowed to stake a claim to be in the first team.
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Will Chelsea allow Hudson-Odoi to leave?
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Callum Hudson-Odoi, Football News, Maurizio Sarri, Chelsea, Europa League, Willian, Premier League, Borussia Dortmund, Christian Pulisic
