KEY POINTS

  • Frank Lampard says Callum Hudson-Odoi needs to improve off the ball
  • Lampard is ready to guide Hudson-Odoi
  • Clubs could still go after Hudson-Odoi before the transfer deadline

Chelsea FC manager Frank Lampard has shared his thoughts on Callum Hudson-Odoi and what the winger needs to work on to get to the next level.

Bayern Munich's offer for Hudson-Odoi was recently thumbed down, but anything can still happen before the transfer deadline. Bayern and other clubs may dangle a last-minute offer to pluck the English winger to their side.

But until that happens, Lampard is ready to work with Hudson-Odoi. The Chelsea boss pointed out that the 19-year-old needs to improve off the ball if he wants to shine at Stamford Bridge.

"With Callum, his work off the ball is something I am trying to improve because at this level in the Premier League, you see how we worked last year, and Willian was the first trigger in us winning the ball back," Lampard said, Goal reported.

With the chances of him leaving Chelsea FC dwindling, these are points that Hudson-Odoi would best consider. He had his first start against Crystal Palace on Saturday, a match the Blues won 4-0.

Lampard also pointed out how Hudson-Odoi plays well with the ball. He feels that the 19-year-old can do better, particularly in taking opposing players to the outside.

"I think Callum's natural ability is on the ball, taking people on the outside and that's what he can do, and those things will come out as Callum keeps developing. As he builds confidence, he needs to know that I am behind him in that sense because he can bring a lot. Then, we will see a lot more from Callum," Lampard explained.

Lampard seems ready to keep Hudson-Odoi and aid him in his evolution. He is aware that the young footballer is coming off a difficult injury and it is not easy to overcome that for a player of his nature.

But this is assuming that no last-minute deals are made by Bayern. Der FCB had pitched a £30 million ($38 million) offer to sign Hudson-Odoi, the club's latest attempt to pluck the 19-year-old from the Blues. That pitch was turned down and Bayern may find itself looking at other options unless the club improves the offer.

Callum Hudson-Odoi attends a Chelsea training session
Callum Hudson-Odoi attends a Chelsea training session AFP / Glyn KIRK