Garth Crooks raves about Chelsea star Antoni Rudiger after weekend win

Add as preferred source on Google

Garth Crooks has lauded Antoni Rudiger for his performance on Saturday as Chelsea defeated Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium. The BBC Sport pundit named the defender in his Team of the Week.

Goals from Hakim Ziyech and Marcos Alonso ensured a solid victory for the Blues. Thomas Tuchel’s men will now head into the Champions League Final against City full of confidence.

Rudiger has earned a reprieve since the French boss replaced Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge. He has been a regular in the team since the managerial change and is proving his worth.

Crooks was desperately impressed with the German defender and had some high praise for the player for his heroic efforts against the champions-elect at the weekend.

He told BBC Sport: His performance against Real Madrid in midweek was outstanding. I have often said, the no-nonsense German international is the best defender in the club and his performances this season have proved it.

“I don’t know what took place between Frank Lampard and Rudiger during the early part of the season when the German was left out for no apparent reason, but it seems to have cost Lampard dearly. Rudiger is the one consistent Chelsea defender who seems to be holding it all together for them.

“At 36, Thiago Silva is used sparingly, Cesar Azpilicueta comes in and out and so does Kurt Zouma, while Andreas Christensen is out injured. That leaves Rudiger and I wouldn’t mess with him.”

TBR View: Rudiger can lead Chelsea to glory

Crooks is right to praise the uncompromising stopper and on current form, he could help Chelsea lift their second Champions League title.

Rudiger has 145 Blues appearances to his name and has sometimes struggled for consistency during his time in West London.

Right now though he’s the form Chelsea defender and why Lampard didn’t select him more often is really bizarre.

The £100,000-a-week man is bang in form and Tuchel will hope he can continue shining for a little while longer this season.