Chelsea wonderkid Callum Hudson-Odoi breaks unlikely record set by Arjen Robben

Chelsea youngster Callum Hudson-Odoi surpassed Arjen Robben to become the youngest Blues' player to register ten Premier League assists.

The 21-year-old overtook the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star during Thomas Tuchel's side's 3-1 away victory against Aston Villa in the Premier League.

He registered his tenth and eleventh assist of his Chelsea career when he won the Blues' first penalty, before providing the cross for Romelu Lukaku's first Premier League goal since September.

And Tuchel was delighted with Hudson-Odoi's performance after starting him in the league for the first time since the end of November.

"I think he was brilliant," the Chelsea boss said after the win.

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"I was never frustrated with him today. He had one bad decision under pressure when he tried to do a back-heel in front of the coaching staff, maybe there was an easier solution to escape the pressure with an easy pass, there was a clear pass to NG [N'Golo Kante]. But I was never frustrated with him today."

Robben had held the unlikely assist record at Stamford Bridge for over 15 years.

After arriving into west London in a £12m deal from PSV Eindhoven, the Dutch winger registered nine assists, before sealing his tenth in the 2005-06 campaign.

He won two Premier League titles, two League Cups, and the FA Cup during a trophy laden three seasons at the club, before signing for Real Madrid in the 2006-07 campaign.

Meanwhile, Hudson-Odoi has been one of Chelsea's most important players this season.

After being left on the bench in the Blues' opening three league matches against Crystal Palace, Arsenal, and Liverpool, the dynamic winger has managed to barrage his way into regular first team contention.

He was initially deployed as a right wing-back by the former Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund manager when he first took over from Frank Lampard last season.

However, he has managed to secure a regular place in Chelsea's frontline this season, despite the huge competition for places in the forward areas.

While he has impressed this season, his deployment by Tuchel at Villa Park came as a huge surprise.

Hudson-Odoi was ruled out for the Blues' recent draws against Everton and Wolves having tested positive for Coronavirus.

Self isolation would have resulted in the 21-year-old missing several days of Blues' training.

However, Tuchel said he encouraged the England star to play the full ninety minutes against Villa, despite advice from his medical team.

"I think he was brilliant today and we forced him," Tuchel added.

"Normally it was clear he plays one half to the maximum of 60 minutes.

"This was already more than the recommendation of the fitness department but he was strong in training so I wanted to have him on the pitch."

Chelsea's victory against Villa was only their second victory in December.

Coming into the contest, the Blues had only won one of their last four matches, having lost to West Ham United and drawn with Everton and Wolves.

However, the vital victory against Gerrard's side meant they remained within distance of Liverpool and Manchester City, who had taken advantage of their drop in form.