‘Always’: Callum Wilson says 29-year-old who left Chelsea last year is one of the best players he’s ever faced

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Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson has named Antonio Rudiger as one of the best and toughest players he’s ever faced.

Rudiger, who played 203 games for Chelsea, waved goodbye to Stamford Bridge last summer.

The defender was a huge favourite within the Blues fanbase, so there was huge disappointment when he left the club on a free transfer last year.

He’s currently enjoying an impressive debut season as a Real Madrid star.

Wilson has raved about the quality of Rudiger as a dominant centre-back.

We’re not that surprised to hear the Newcastle striker was given a tough time by the former Chelsea man.

When discussing the toughest players he’s ever faced, Wilson told The Footballer’s Football Podcast: “Rudiger is a good defender, always difficult to play against. He’s quick, physical and the ball is coming in to you and he’s pinching the back of you. So your mind switches to like ‘yo, what you doing?’ But you have to try and control the ball, so you end of thinking about the defender more than the ball and as you take a touch his legs just fly round the side of you.”

There’s no doubt Rudiger left a huge hole in the Chelsea backline.

The Germany international is renowned for his aggression and huge character, but he’s actually grown into a top quality defender over the years as well.

Kalidou Koulibaly has struggled to fill Rudiger’s shoes so far this season. However, the Blues do have some interesting and talented centre-halves in their squad with Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana.

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