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Many expected Callum Hudson-Odoi to leave Chelsea in the summer, either in a permanent move or on loan.
And the 20-year is reported to have pressed for a move after struggling for game time under both Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel, only to have his request turned down.
And now Tuchel has revealed his reasoning, arguing that the international is a “piece of the puzzle” at Stamford Bridge.
Critics argue that having been deployed often in a wing back role under Tuchel last campaign, the decision to play him in his more natural position on the wing has led to his improved performances this season.
Hudson Odoi has been rewarded with more minutes this season, but Tuchel does not want him to rest on his laurels and insists that he must stay consistent to play regular first-team football, and that is especially the case now that Christian Pulisic is fit again and ready to challenge for a position in the team.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.