According to recent reports, Real Madrid are clear favourites to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger. A delay in the Blues’ decision to extend the German’s contract may as well prove costly with Madrid being optimistic.
The club and player have been in discussions regarding a new contract for months. Rudiger’s current contract with the London Giants ends next summer, has demanded a new salary of £200,000 per week. Chelsea are still deciding whether to meet the defender’s demands or let him leave.
Amidst the delay, various clubs have been showing interest in the defender. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are the top two clubs chasing the player, with the former now closest to striking a deal with the German.
Rudiger’s recent success at Chelsea
Under previous manager Frank Lampard, the 28-year-old player was restricted to the bench for the majority of the period. However, ever since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival at Stamford Bridge, Rudiger has become one of the best defenders in the Premier League. The German manager has been the driving force in the defender’s redemption, who was struggling with injuries and lack of playing time.
Rudiger is now Chelsea’s most nailed and top-choice defender. His contributions played a major role in the Blues’ 2021 Champions League campaign. A pace-packed player, Rudiger’s defensive solidarity has been of utmost vital in Tuchel’s 3-4-3 formation. The German has the ability to pass the ball around very efficiently and quickly with an urge to dribble occasionally.
His tall and strong physique has enabled him to become an aerial threat during set-pieces. The German’s speed makes him the best player to track back during counters when the team gets caught off-guard. A Confederations Cup winner with Germany, he has also become the first choice defender for his national side.
Why losing Rudiger to Real Madrid would be a huge blow to Chelsea
In a total of 170 appearances for the Blues, the German has lifted the Champions League, Europa League, Supercup, and the FA Cup. As a result, his technical abilities are also backed by his experience and titles. (stats via TRANSFERMARKT)
After the departure of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, Real Madrid signed David Alaba as a potential replacement. The player has been solid throughout but has been restricted from his original position as a left-back. Hence, Rudiger’s addition could help solidify the Real’s defense and also unlock Alaba’s strengths.
Losing the German international could be costly for Chelsea with a lack of established center-backs. Thiago Silva is close to retirement while Andreas Christensen is yet to make his mark. Rudiger’s pace and composure have been key in Tuchel’s current system and would indeed be very hard to replace.
Follow us on Twitter for regular football updates.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
