Exclusive: Callum Hudson-Odoi Tipped for Stardom by Teammate Ola Aina

Callum Hudson Odoi, whose performances helped Nottingham Forest preserve their Premier League status last season, is about to demonstrate why he was once counted among the most promising young talents in England.

That is the verdict of Ola Aina, his teammate at the City Ground, who has spent the past 12 months marvelling at the 23-year-old’s potential.

Chelsea Roots and International Experience

Like Hudson Odoi, who has been capped three times by England, Aina started his career with Chelsea before being forced to prove himself abroad.

After watching the winger blossom since arriving in the east Midlands, Aina said: “Everyone knows how good Callum is. He’s a fantastic footballer with bags and bags of talent.”

Hudson Odoi’s impressive displays towards the end of last term helped Forest avoid relegation with a match to spare, despite being deducted four points for breaching the competition’s Profit and Sustainability regulations.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were handed the punishment after being found guilty of overspending over a three-year period.

Although that ruling, which they unsuccessfully appealed, threatened to plunge them back into the Championship, an upturn in fortune towards the end of the campaign eventually saw them finish one place above the drop zone.

Image Credits: Football Ghana

Building New Confidence and Skill

“Callum can do it all. He’s got better and better as things have gone along and he can cause trouble for anyone,” Aina told SportsBoom.com.

“In training, he has always been something else. A natural. Now we are seeing it week in and week out on the pitch and it is no surprise because we know what he is capable of.”

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

“Callum is just going to keep on getting better and better. He will build on this.”

Aged 27, Aina spent four years with Torino after leaving Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis in 2019. Born in Southwark, he represents Nigeria at international level and discovered that Forest would be exercising their option to extend his contract earlier this summer.

Like Hudson Odoi, Aina believes Forest will also blossom next term.

“It’s great to have another chance in the Premier League,” he said. “It is one we are going to take and make the most of.”

“There are always highs and lows, but hard work is important, and we always give it our all.”

“There is a lot more to come from me and there is a lot more to come from all of us. You will see that.”