Lampard wants to see end product from Hudson-Odoi

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has challenged winger Callum Hudson-Odoi to find an “end product” to match his approach play.

The 20-year-old England international shone with a lively display on his return to the starting line-up after injury as the Blues were held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Monday.


Hudson-Odoi, who has only started two Premier League games this season, also set up Tammy Abraham’s late goal after coming on in the Boxing Day loss to Arsenal.

“I liked his performance and I liked the range of his passing which was very evident in the first half,” Lampard said after the Villa game.

“There were a couple of great cross-field passes and some of his movement and touches were great.

“The obvious next part is end product. Callum definitely has capabilities and that will be the next stage for him.

“We want to see Callum go one-v-one and be confident to go one-v-one because he has the ability to do it and to get crosses in and to get goals and arrive in the box, because that is the level of top wingers in the Premier League.”

Lampard also admitted Chelsea have missed Hakim Ziyech.

Ziyech was in fine form before suffering a hamstring injury and the Blues have struggled without him.


Having lost three of their previous four games, they were much improved against Villa but still dropped points.

It has been a tough spell for Chelsea and Lampard said: “I don’t think it’s a coincidence.

“Hakim, with the way he was playing, was being very effective for us and had a real confidence in the way he was playing. It helped that we were very fluid at the time.

“It has been a point. You’re going to miss players of that level when they drop out.”

Ziyech could be available against Manchester City this weekend, although there is doubt over whether that game will go ahead given that a Covid-19 outbreak in the City camp led to their match against Everton being called off.

Lampard said: “We want him back. Where is he at? There’s a possibility he could be fit for Manchester City if it goes ahead on Sunday.

“I’ll know later in the week, but he’s certainly progressing to the point where he’s very close to fitness.”

Lampard made six changes for the Villa game, including restoring captain Cesar Azpilicueta in place of Reece James at right-back.

James, who has had a knee injury recently, is now nursing a hamstring problem.

Lampard explained: “Reece James has a small hamstring issue.

“I’m not saying that’s why Azpi played. I probably would have played him anyway.”