Thomas Tuchel capitalises on Bayern transfer failure to uncover Chelsea’s new creative force

Five months ago, Callum Hudson-Odoi's Chelsea future was far from clear.

How drastically things have changed since the run-up to the last transfer deadline day in August when the talk surrounding the winger was him leaving on loan in search of regular minutes.

Now in January, a month where he could have again been looking elsewhere to kickstart his career, Hudson-Odoi is coming off another good display from his favoured left-wing role. A spot for some time, he was deprived of starting in for Chelsea's senior team after flourishing there in the academy.

Bayern Munich's two failed attempts to sign him in 2019 and 2020 have now given Thomas Tuchel the chance to unleash a talent that supporters have been waiting to see fulfil his high potential.

After watching his second-half display against Spurs on Sunday, I pondered how many goals this season have started from Hudson-Odoi bursting with speed with the ball at his feet?

He has played either from the start or off the bench 16 times, particularly from the left via WyScout. Even a brief glance at his senior Chelsea career can already tell you that is by far the most amount of time he has played in what many deem his best position.

In 2021/22, he has registered three goals and four assists. His total last season was five goals and five assists. His xG at the time of writing is 3.4, higher than the whole of 2020/21.

Probably the most important number for Hudson-Odoi is actually competitive minutes played this season – 1,673, which means he's closing in on his total for last season of 1,848.

But away from data, let's take a look at how Hudson-Odoi has influenced Chelsea's attack this season.

Starting against Spurs where his darting run from his own off to brush off an already