According to a recent report by Sky Sports, Premier League giants Chelsea are said to have opened talks with German international centre-half Antonio Rudiger about a potential new long-term deal at Stamford Bridge. The report suggests that the Blues are keen to tie the defender down on a new three-year deal, that would also include an optional one-year extension as well. Rudiger’s current contract in West London is set to expire in 2022.
It has been clarified that no agreement has been reached yet, owing largely to the fact that the talks have been interrupted by the postponement of the league season. The report suggests that despite this unexpected delay, the Blues are eager to tie the German down, as they have been quite impressed with his performances since returning from injury around the midway point in the league season.
What Is Antonio Rudiger’s Legacy At Chelsea?
The 27-year-old initially joined Chelsea from Serie A side AS Roma back in the summer of 2017. It must be conceded that the German did take a little bit of time to get acclimated to the physical nature of the Premier League, but he went on to make 27 appearances in the top flight in his first year in England. Since then, irrespective of the manager at the helm, the German international has been a regular in the side.
Even with David Luiz around last season, Rudiger was always the first defender on the team-sheet, and with good reason. What the Brazilian lacked in defensive composure is precisely what the German international’s best attribute is – the ability to read the play effectively. The former Stuttgart man only managed to feature in 13 league appearances this season owing to a groin problem, but that has seemingly been enough to convince Lampard’s staff of his quality.
What Does Antonio Rudiger Add To This Chelsea Side?
The German is a sensational header of the ball in and around the box, meaning that he tends to neutralise any deep aerial passes played in through a central route. Adept at clearing away from set-pieces, the centre-half manages to maintain his calm even in high-pressure situations inside the box. At the same time, he can also offer an excellent attacking threat at the opposite end. Physically strong and well-built, the German is one of the highest-rated central defenders in Europe for a reason.
Why It’s Essential for Chelsea To Tie Rudiger Down With A New Deal?
The German is undoubtedly the Blues’ best defender, and while various names like Kurt Zouma, Fikayo Tomori and Andreas Christensen have come in and out of the side, the German has been a constant at the back when fit. The difference in confidence when the former Roma man is on the pitch for Chelsea is visible to see.
Having someone with the 27-year-old’s experience will be absolutely priceless, given how much Lampard depends on the youngsters. Keeping Rudiger at Stamford Bridge is of utmost importance to the club, and the sooner they’re able to get this done, the better.
