Callum Hudson-Odoi is "a steal" after overcoming injury woes and netting winner against Man City, says Rio Ferdinand

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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand said that Callum Hudson-Odoi's ability and potential is not in question, and he is performing at his best because he looks to have got over his injury problems. Hudson-Odoi told TNT Sports that he was "buzzing" after a 1-0 win for Nottingham Forest against Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, and said his side would fight for a top-four finish.

Jose pretends to fall asleep and snores during lengthy question

Video credit: TNT Sports

Rio Ferdinand believes Callum Hudson-Odoi was "a steal" for Nottingham Forest after his late winner against Manchester City on Saturday.

Hudson-Odoi exploited a gap at Ederson’s near post, with the only goal of the game earning Forest three points at the City Ground.

This year has perhaps been Hudson-Odoi’s most rewarding since he broke through at Chelsea in 2018.

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Hudson-Odoi had struggled with injury, and after an unremarkable loan spell with Bayer Leverkusen two seasons ago, he joined Forest for just £5 million in 2023.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Ferdinand believes that putting his fitness worries behind him has helped the 24-year-old to thrive.

Ferdinand said: "He is so much more positive. He looks so much fitter now. I think that’s one thing he’s been searching for, that fitness.

"[His] ability is not in question, potential is not in question. It’s being able to sustain the level he gets to on a consistent basis, through 90 minutes and through more games."

When his transfer fee was mentioned, he replied: "It’s a steal. The people here knew what they were buying, potentially. They just needed to unlock that. Injuries played a big part in that.

"It’s never easy for a young player if you get knocked back in the development stage of your career, to keep on going."

He added: "This has been a good place for him... They’re allowed to be themselves. Nobody is acting up. There are no big egos. You see the guys when we’re interviewing, they’re having a laugh. Out on the pitch, it reflects well on them."

‘We’re buzzing for the win’ – Hudson-Odoi reflects on ‘important’ result over Man City

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Hudson-Odoi: We’re going to have to fight

Speaking after the match, Hudson-Odoi was delighted to get the winner, and with his club sitting in third place in the league table, he showed no signs of complacency.

He said: "I think every game is very difficult, and we know that until the very end of the season. We're going to have to fight for every single game.

"I’m absolutely buzzing. I’m happy for the team. It’s not just me, it’s the whole team’s performance. We deserved the win."

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