Five things you might not know about Chelsea prospect Hudson-Odoi

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The performances of teenager Callum Hudson-Odoi have been a major plus for Chelsea during pre-season.

He has been involved in every one of the Blues’ friendlies and boss Maurizio Sarri has said he will part of Chelsea’s first-team squad for the coming season.

Here are five things you might not know about the 17-year-old forward.

World at his feet

While Hudson-Odoi’s strong pre-season performances may have come as a surprise to the casual observer, the forward showed what he was all about last year.

He laid on two assists in the final of the Under-17s World Cup in India as England recovered from two goals down to hammer Spain 5-2.

Having shown glimpses of his promise throughout the tournament, he has followed that up this summer and looks set to be in and around the Chelsea first team.

Trophy-winning teen

Although he is still over three months shy of turning 18, Hudson-Odoi is already no stranger to collecting silverware.

He played a pivotal role as Chelsea’s academy dominated youth-level football last season and has already lifted two FA Youth Cups and the Under-18 Premier League title.

Add to that his winners’ medal as part of England’s Under-17 World Cup squad and it appears Hudson-Odoi has a taste for success.

Brotherly love

Hudson-Odoi’s older brother Bradley is also plying his trade as a footballer and joined National League South outfit Wealdstone this summer.

Unlike his younger sibling, 29-year-old Bradley was born in Ghana but has never represented his country of birth.

Bradley was signed to the academy at Fulham but never made the step up to the first team at Craven Cottage and the striker has moved around non-League football since.

Father’s footsteps

As well as his brother, Hudson-Odoi’s father was also a professional footballer.

Bismark Odoi turned out for Hearts of Oak in his native Ghana and operated as a midfielder for the Accra-based side.

Hudson-Odoi may be the latest in his family to emerge onto the scene but there is every possibility he will become the most recognised member of the clan.

‘Little bro’

Hudson-Odoi’s pre-season form may have drawn plenty of praise – but one former Chelsea player was already well aware of his talent.

Michael Essien, a Ghana international who won two Premier League titles and the Champions League while at Stamford Bridge, is a big fan of the new Blues youngster.

He took to Instagram following England’s Under-17 World Cup success to congratulate Hudson-Odoi, calling him “little bro”.

With the likes of popular football players that once graced the Premier League, like Michael Essien, expressing his love for up and coming stars like Hudson-Odoi, it won’t be long until he will get more instagram followers himself. If professional footballers admire them, then others will too, and who knows, he may become an internet sensation before too long.