Chelsea youngster Joseph Wheeler-Henry names the former Blues player he looks up to

Add as preferred source on Google

In recent years, Chelsea have had some very good defenders play for them, defenders whom Joseph Wheeler-Henry and other youngsters at the club could look up to.

Thiago Silva is one player who comes to mind. The centre-back is now at Fluminense, but he spent four years at Chelsea and was the model professional, so much so that Chelsea fans want Silva to return to the club one day as a coach.

Former Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger are a couple more examples.

Wheeler-Henry has now named the former Chelsea defender he has always looked up to.

• READ MORE: What Antonio Rudiger did after Chelsea’s pre-season defeat against Real Madrid

Why Joseph Wheeler-Henry looks up to Antonio Rudiger

Rudiger is the former Chelsea star who has proven to be an inspiration to Wheeler-Henry, and the young right-back has explained why.

Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, Wheeler-Henry said: “I’ve always looked up to Antonio Rudiger because of his performances. He is great at tackling and protecting the ball; that’s how every defender wants to play.

“Someone in my position, you have to be aggressive, and as a footballer you have to be focused, which is why he’s so successful.”

The Stamford Bridge faithful would have been disappointed to have seen Rudiger go, but the 31-year-old made the right call in the end.

Rudiger went on to join Real Madrid, where he has won the Champions League. That achievement alone justifies Rudiger’s decision to depart Chelsea.

Joseph Wheeler-Henry could emulate Antonio Rudiger one day

Wheeler-Henry’s preferred position is right-back, but the 16-year-old can also play in central defence.

Like Rudiger, one of his biggest strengths is his speed, something Wheeler-Henry also shared with Chelsea’s official website.

One day in the future, then, perhaps the English youngster could emulate his hero Rudiger and make an impact in the Chelsea first team with his recovery pace.

There is a long way to go before then, though. While Wheeler-Henry continues with Chelsea’s academy, Enzo Maresca will be relying on the likes of Reece James, Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana for the right-back and centre-back positions.

But Wheeler-Henry will be hoping that he can become an option for Maresca or whoever is in charge of Chelsea at some point in the future.