Hudson-Odoi can fill the void The danger could go to Chelsea – Luiz

By Peter Hall

BAKU (Reuters) – Chelsea defender David Luiz said that Callum Hudson-Odoi could fill the void that a potential departure from Eden Hazard could leave Stamford Bridge, while congratulating his manager, Maurizio Sarri , after the triumph of the club in Europa League.

Chelsea won 4-1 in Baku in the early hours of Thursday, thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud, Pedro and a double from Hazard, who once again proved his value to the club that he served for seven seasons.

The double of Hazard earned him 21 goals this season for Chelsea – eight more than any team-mate in all competitions – but he could be his last for the club, with a likely move to Real Madrid, which the player himself wishes.

Chelsea seems on the verge of being imposed a transfer ban for next season, unless they can overrule the decision to FIFAbut Luiz thinks that 18-year-old Hudson-Odoi can take Hazard's place.

"Messi or Ronaldo," joked Luiz at the request of journalists likely to replace Hazard. "I think he's leaving, I wish him all the best.

"He's a fantastic player, a friend and a guy. I know him from a young age. I'm so happy for him because the world knows who Eden Hazard is.

"We have a lot of them (which could replace Hazard). Callum (Hudson-Odoi) is awesome.

"Callum has known this club from a very young age and has the talent to try to look like Eden one day.

"It's a new story for Callum. It did not start so well because of the injury, but it's time for him to progress to the other camps (his game). "

Luiz, a euphoric, also took the opportunity to congratulate Chelsea's director, Sarri, for his role in the success of the Blues on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

"It's the problem of playing for a big club," added Luiz.

"This is his first season at Chelsea, his first in English football. I think he's fine.

"He's a great person, a great guy, an excellent manager and we finished in the best conditions for him because we ended up winning a trophy in his own way.

"Even after conceding a goal … we kept playing with his philosophy and kept trying to score more goals. It was the best end of the season for him and he deserved it.

(Edited by Greg Stutchbury)