of the starting players yesterday was alarming!
Callum was the only ONE on pitch playing in an unfamiliar role, managed to be the most threatening and maintained that connection with Ziyech (no other player on the field of play could find purposeful chemistry in possession). MOTM. Let that sink-in.
Looked like the vastly experienced smart operator playing with inexperienced youth, which is a damning indictment... Scary.
That performance will leave a lasting first impression on Tuchel...reaffirms why Hudson-Odoi will be one of the first names on the team-sheet and justified Tuchel' decision to select him (amongst the experienced and big-money signings).
Should already be on double figure assists this season, if not for the fact that he has to rely on (bad) finishing.
Tuchel being a massive fan of Hudson-Odoi in general is not a big shock. German had detailed dossier and plans for him ahead of taking over.
Hudson-Odoi is a phenomenon that ticks a lot of boxes; can do it all, been the case coming through the ranks.
Wingback experiment didn't come as a surprise to me (having played Pulisic & Dembele in that role during Dortmund days at times).
What truly caught me by complete surprise is...Tuchel tasked Hudson-Odoi with the responsibility of being the main (outswinging) set-piece taker this early.
For context...hasn't had that particular responsibility since academy days, anyone who had watched him take them during those days knows that he's more than capable of delivering high-quality in dead-ball situations (indirect or direct) on a consistent basis.
Goes to show how important he already is by putting him on that duty immediately, a big statement!
A coaches dream that will go from strength to strength (provided no more injury setbacks).
Lastly...this match should serve as a frequent and timely reminder that certain experienced individuals are not as good as cracked up to be, nor the be-all and end-all (bottlenecks).
Academy lot will provide considerably more pizzazz than what most of the experienced players can muster, in any possible fluid system Tuchel will use.
Lineup should ideally consist of half youth, half experience strike that balance moving forward Tuchel
Gulf in quality between Cal & the rest...
posted on 28/1/21
https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1354651985237184513/pu/vid/1280x720/ePz0hQGbY7fWFP8h.mp4
Tuchel on Hudson-Odoi: “Dribbling, runs, one on ones, intensity, defensively he had to help in a back five, we didn't want to suffer too much when they had possession. Callum was the key on the side with his speed and confidence.”
Good starting point, to build upon 👂🏽
First of many starts, dare I say....new linchpin
posted on 28/1/21
He had an excellent game for you guys last night. Probably the only player that really actively looked to break down our firmly parked bus.
I thought Mount looked a big threat when he came on too. With him and Pulisic on, you probably finished with a better team than you started with.
posted on 28/1/21
Indeed we did...
Wolves are disappointing this term...i've seen less busses at a park & ride...can't believe it's just because Jiminez is out
posted on 28/1/21
Its not just because Jimenez is out. We've had quite a few injuries, lacked creativity for a while and our defenders aren't good enough for us to play more expansively. Our lack of investment in central midfield and defence has come back to bite us hard this term, as well as losing our main goalscorer.
I am happy for us to keep trying to bring through the young players this term, try new things and make investments in the summer, as I don't think a lot can change now in terms of us climbing the table.
posted on 28/1/21
Cal was good and has been the best performer for a while with maybe the exception of Mount
posted on 28/1/21
comment by Tamwolf (U17286)
He had an excellent game for you guys last night. Probably the only player that really actively looked to break down our firmly parked bus.
I thought Mount looked a big threat when he came on too. With him and Pulisic on, you probably finished with a better team than you started with.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yep, Hudson-Odoi wasn't being kind to Ait-Nouri. Torrid time, showed no mercy.
Poor kid subbed off at HT, put out his misery. Learning experience
Would have perhaps made the breakthrough, had Hudson-Odoi been allowed to promptly switch to left up against Hoever.
Shooting opportunities would have plenty for him on the left side.
Mount is always useful with supporting (third-man) movements between the lines and beyond the last-line of defence.
posted on 30/1/21
https://mol.im/a/9204843
Kante and Jorghino then?