Joe Cole: Hudson-Odoi is learning from Werner

Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole says the goalscoring instincts of Timo Werner are rubbing off on winger Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Werner had a rare off night in front of goal in the last-gasp 2-1 win over Rennes on Tuesday evening, uncharacteristically missing a couple of excellent chances.


But 20-year-old England international Hudson-Odoi shone, grabbing the opening goal in a clinical victory that ensured progress into the last 16 of this season’s Champions League.

And Cole, who played 280 games and won three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and two League Cups during seven years with the Blues, was hugely impressed with Hudson-Odoi’s contribution on just his fourth start this season.

“He’s taken his chance,” said Cole, working as a pundit for BT Sport. “What he’s doing I feel is that he has looked at Werner and looked and what he has scored goals and the runs in behind.

“He’s adding that to his game and we saw it for the England Under-21s.

Hudson-Odoi set up a great early chance for Werner before putting his side ahead when he ran through and finished off a one-on-one opportunity from a delightful Mason Mount pass.

Cole added: “Callum’s first touch is great and his second is exquisite and then the keeper makes his mind up for him and he slides it in. It’s an amazing goal.”