After weeks of wait and watching frustratingly as other clubs completed some major signings, Chelsea fans were finally given something to be excited about when Chelsea announced their first signing of the season in Antonio Rudiger. The German international has been a top target for many Premier League clubs over the past two seasons and Chelsea did a massive job of securing his services before all.
The 24-year-old joined Chelsea for a whopping £34 million and is expected to play a significant part for the side’s back-three setup now. The 191cm centre-half has been touted by many as the perfect option for the Premier League, who could keep off the dangerous crosses from outside as well as and won’t be outmuscled by the strong forwards. Alongside the likes of David Luiz and Gary Cahill in Chelsea’s back line, his inclusion makes the team nearly impenetrable.
And quite clearly, it would be Cesar Azpilicueta, who would have to move out of the backline. The Spaniard has been one of Chelsea’s best performers last season. He completed a whopping 2459 passes throughout the whole campaign becoming the most successful passer in the league, followed by Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka (2298) and Manchester City’s Fernandinho (2180).
However, Antonio Conte is definitely not going to start one his best players from the bench. We expect Victor Moses to face a stiff competition for the right wing-back’s role next season, and given that Chelsea will compete in the Champions League, the manager is expected to have more options as his backup.
Though Rudiger won’t be a like for like replacement for Azpilicueta in Chelsea’s back line, the German is expected to bring more strength and assurance. And one way or the other, Azpilicueta is sure to get a strong blow concerning his first team place. Moses has been Chelsea’s unstoppable steel wing last term from the right defensive flank, giving an all new dimension to the front three with his overlapping runs; and Conte would definitely not want to experiment with such an effective player in what could be one of his most crucial seasons.
Chelsea’s previous season has been compared by many as a home run, where the Blues were just a much refined and richer version of Leicester City. And Chelsea would need to retain their spot in the top four bracket if they are to break this mindset.
We hope Conte has laid his plans clearly to his Spanish defensive general before Rudiger’s arrival. The former Marseille full-back had been a subject of interest for La Liga giants Barcelona as they were digging for options on that right-back role before they agreed on Nelson Semedo.
