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Owen Hargreaves tells Callum Hudson-Odoi to leave Chelsea because of Eden Hazard

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Hudson-Odoi is a special talent according to Hargreaves (Picture: TF-Images/Getty)

Owen Hargreaves believes Callum Hudson-Odoi is a special talent but is concerned that Eden Hazard will block his progress at Chelsea.

The 18-year-old winger put in a fine display against PAOK on Thursday night, scoring his first goal for his home club and providing an assist for Alvaro Morata in a 4-0 win at Stamford Bridge for Maurizio Sarris Europa League group-topping side.

His manager poured cold water on Hudson-Odois hopes of playing a major role in the first team this season after the match – although he does believe the youngster can become one of Europes best players in the coming years – and Hargreaves believes that it will be virtually impossible for him to breakthrough at this time with Eden Hazard blocking his path to the first team.

However, the former Manchester United midfielder is convinced Hudson-Odoi is ready for first-team football and has advised him to leave Stamford Bridge on loan for two years in order to develop and break into Chelseas starting XI.

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Hes a special, special young player – he really is, Hargreaves told BT Sport.

Chelsea's Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard gestures during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in London, on November 24, 2018. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / various sources / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images — Hazard is blocking Hudson-Odois route to the first team (Picture: AFP/GETTY)

I dont care if hes 18, hes ready to play. He just needs some games. Even though hes 18 he feels like hes ready. He looks humble. The thing I like about him is his decision making is good. I think he has a feel for the game. Hes going to affect games every time he plays.

For the young kids – I dont care if its Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City or Manchester United – to compete with the world class talent that those top-four teams have in those positions is virtually impossible.

You look at Jadon Sancho, he wasnt getting enough opportunities at Manchester City, he went to [Borussia] Dortmund – hes probably one of the best assist givers in all of Europe. Now everybody wants him.