Defenders are not attackers! Here is why Chelsea have to keep Antonio Rudiger at all cost

While contract talks between Chelsea and the German defender continues to breakdown as we approach the end of the season, when the defender will be a free agent, Chelsea will have to reach a neutral ground to ensure they keep Antonio Rudiger.

Antonio Rüdiger of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on December 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)

One of the best defenders in the world currently, Rudiger is one of Chelsea’s best player, and the most consistent, top performing of the centre backs. Yes, Chelsea are blessed with depth in this section but none of the others offers as much as Antonio Rudiger.

Moreso, he is 28year old and for a defender, he still has almost a decade to go as a professional. His qualities are up there with that of the best defenders and the fact that he is a threat at both end of the pitch is another rarity that makes him difficult to replace.

Thomas Tuchel side were up against it against Leeds United and the German defender won two penalties, in a fashion you would never had expected from a central defender but this is Rudiger, a good ball playing defender, he was able to produce two moments in the opposition box to earn the penalties for his side.

Yes, Chelsea do have players in the likes of Andreas Christensen, Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr, who are also good and younger, but it will all go down to the likes of the cases when they have Kanté and Jorginho missing, and they are forced to play with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Saul Niguez, both good players but the flaws are still obvious.

Squad depth is a good headache to have for managers, but nothing is as good as having your best player available, fit and inform. This is a lesson Chelsea have learnt with their Midfielders, and they should try to avoid it becoming realistic with their German defender.

Rudiger has made the most league appearances amongst Chelsea defenders this season and the only game he missed was the trip to Brentford, whence he was not even in the squad due to some reasons, shows how important he really is in the group.

Moreso, defenders are not attackers which you can bring in another player to replace a departed one. The defence is a crucial end of the pitch where it takes time for players to get along with one another. Rudiger is in his fifth season with the club and no stranger to how to be a Chelsea player.

Moreso, he is a leader in the group, one that the younger players look up to in experience and for inspiration. Not even Chelsea should let go of a player so important. And to think he might be leaving for free.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich continued to be linked with move for the unsettled man but Chelsea should do whatever it takes to keep their man, as he is as important as anyone important in their squad, and losing him will be a major blow, one that will take time to recover from.

Author: Afolabi Kehinde Hassan