Rob Green has heaped praise on Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, who will be leaving Stamford Bridge this summer.
It’s been confirmed he’s leaving at the end of the season after five years as a Blues player.
Real Madrid are reportedly on the verge of agreeing a deal for him, too.
Rudiger, 29, has reached the levels under Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel where he’s recognised by many as one of the best centre-backs currently playing in Europe.
The centre-half has been an absolute rock in Tuchel’s side for the past 18 months, finding real consistency in his performances as the left-sided defender in a back three.
BBC pundit Green, who spent a year as a Chelsea player, feels that he’s even been a big help to teammate Thiago Silva.
It’s been a joy to watch a Blues defence with 37-year-old veteran Silva as the middle centre-back, while Rudiger plays alongside him providing strength, aggression and pace.
“Rudiger was the best defender at the club when I was there. Great player, big leader and very definitive in what he thinks and what he wants. He makes Thiago Silva a better player as well,” Green told BBC Radio 5 Live.
Brace yourself Chelsea fans
It could be a tough period of transition while Tuchel finds a new-look defence.
It’s been a guarantee for well over a year now that Rudiger would be in the Chelsea XI and drop at least a 7/10 performance in every match.
His replacement has got a mammoth job in his hands.
Chelsea fans may need to be a little patient while the fresh backline takes shape because it’s not going to happen overnight.
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