Callum Hudson-Odoi: Revival at Nottingham Forest
We still have 16 matches left in the Premier League season, but Nottingham Forest currently find themselves third on the table and on track to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Credit goes to sensible transfers and new manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who has placed players in the right roles. Only Liverpool and Arsenal have conceded fewer goals than them, making Forest’s defense a great foundation.
In midfield, Ryan Yates and 22-year-old Elliot Anderson, signed from Newcastle, form a solid double pivot. Morgan Gibbs-White plays the number 10 role, flanked by Manchester United academy graduate Anthony Elanga on the right and Chelsea academy graduate Callum Hudson-Odoi on the left wing. Chris Wood has excelled as the central striker, scoring 14 goals this season.
This club has helped many players regain form and get back to their best. Callum Hudson-Odoi is one such player who Forest have helped resurrect. With consistent performances and creativity, the former Chelsea man has become a key player.
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Hudson-Odoi began his journey at Chelsea’s prestigious academy at the age of seven, standing out from the beginning. Known for his pace, dribbling, and creativity, he soon became one of the most promising prospects in England. He won the U18 Premier League and the FA Youth Cup twice. In the 2017 Under-17 World Cup, he contributed two goals and an assist in seven games, helping England lift the trophy.
He made his senior debut for Chelsea on January 28, 2018, in an FA Cup match against Newcastle United. In the 2018-19 Europa League-winning campaign, he contributed four goals and two assists in nine matches. During the 2019-20 season, he made 33 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice and assisting five times in the Premier League.
In the 2020-21 season, Hudson-Odoi played a part in Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League-winning campaign, scoring two goals from five starts. However, he struggled to reach his full potential at Chelsea. Following the 2021-22 season, he was loaned to Bayer Leverkusen, but the move did little to reignite his career.
In the summer of 2023, Chelsea sold him to Nottingham Forest for £5 million. Looking back, this deal seems to have been a masterstroke for Forest, who have made several similarly effective transfers leading to their rise this season. In his first season at Nottingham Forest, Hudson-Odoi contributed eight goals and an assist in 20 Premier League starts.
He steadily regained his rhythm, completing 43 dribbles and creating 36 chances. Playing on the left wing, Hudson-Odoi demonstrated his ability to read the game, positioning himself in space to receive the ball. He often cut inside from the left wing, beating defenders to create space for shots with his right foot. He also contributed to build-up play by switching the ball to the right wing or progressing it through dribbles.
Forest are on pace to return to European competition for the first time this century, with Hudson-Odoi playing a vital role in their success. This season, he has featured in 20 games, providing three goals and two assists. The left winger has been a creative force, creating 34 chances and completing 479 passes with an accuracy of 89.4%. His 27 successful dribbles at a 67.5% success rate rank him among the most efficient dribblers in the league.
Hudson-Odoi’s journey from Chelsea’s academy to Nottingham Forest shows the impact of finding the right club and system. Forest have given him the platform to regain his confidence and showcase his talent, proving that a change in environment can make all the difference for a player’s career.
By: @TSpec1al
Featured Image: @Juanffran / Jonathan Nackstrand – Getty Images