Callum Hudson-Odoi shares how he felt after Nuno told him he wasn't starting vs Liverpool
09/16/2024 01:00 PM
Nottingham Forest defeated Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield on Saturday to continue their impressive start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
The Reds won the game after a meticulously robust game plan came to fruition after Callum Hudson-Odoi scored the game’s only goal after 72 minutes.
Liverpool couldn’t find a way through a sturdy Forest rearguard and held on to claim a massive three points that put the team seventh in the Premier League.
Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo made a bold team selection. He left both Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga on the bench in favour of Nicolas Dominguez and Elliot Anderson.
The Reds threw the two first-choice wingers on in the second half and in the process, Nuno managed to prove Chris Sutton wrong after he questioned the decision.
Callum Hudson-Odoi shares how felt after being left on the Forest bench
It was perhaps a surprise to see Espirito Santo leave Hudson-Odoi out in the cold for this trip to Liverpool but looking back on the game, it made perfect sense.
The idea of playing Dominguez and Anderson gave Forest more defensive solidity and allowed the Reds to keep things tight at Anfield.
Hudson-Odoi and Elanga were thrown on the pitch to give Forest more attacking impetus as the game drew to a close and it paid dividends when the 23-year-old scored.
After the game, he was quizzed on what it was like starting the game on the bench and he gave a very diplomatic answer.
He told BBC Sport: “Everyone’s morale is up, we are confident going into every game. We know in our heads the mentality has to be right and we are doing that as a team. The camp is good.
“I didn’t start but I wasn’t angry or disappointed, I am buzzing, we are all buzzing. It’s nice to get the goals but it’s just the start of the season and I can keep getting more.”
Hudson-Odoi mindset shows that morale is sky high
The 23-year-old has rediscovered himself at Forest and ultimately, Hudson-Odoi is looking a steal at just £3 million.
Hudson-Odoi looked refreshed during his match-winning cameo from the bench and it’s good to know that Forest have a number of strong options to call upon.
It’s good that Hudson-Odoi didn’t take it to heart that began the game on the bench and ultimately he proved his point when he came on the pitch.
The young winger was delighted to find the net for the first time this season and there are now options for Espirito Santo to choose all over the pitch.
Hudson-Odoi has showcased real maturity with his mindset after being dropped to the bench and now he will hope to win his starting berth back next week at Brighton.
