Callum Hudson-Odoi has a "massive opportunity" to become a key player for Chelsea under Frank Lampard.
That's the view of Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who has been speaking about the pathway from the academy to the first team, with a number of players looking to make their mark this season with the Blues amid the club's transfer ban.
And Azplicueta believes there are several players capable of making the step up, with Hudson-Odoi at the top of the list as one young star who could become a big player for the Blues, after the 18-year-old impressed at times last season in Maurizio Sarri's team.
“It’s important to have a connection between the academy and the first team, because it is a strength and we can be stronger, and better, not only by having more players into the first team, but also with the coaches and the system," Azpilicueta told Sky Sports .
“When they come to the first team it is easier for them as well to be part of the first team.
“For Callum [Hudson-Odoi] it is a massive opportunity for being a very important, key player for Chelsea. He was getting a lot of minutes before his unlucky injury, and now I am sure that when he recovers well, he will be back and a very important player for Chelsea.
“I think that the feeling and the desire from all the boys when they start, is that it is a tough academy to get into the first team, but like Mason [Mount], Ruben [Loftus-Cheek] and Callum [Hudson-Odoi], all players like this it is something that we have to be proud of them because it is not an easy path.
“I think this desire and the will to perform into the first team and break into the first team, they send out a great example to all the young lads starting their careers.”
