Rio Ferdinand believed that Antonio Rudiger had evolved into one of the best Premier League centre-backs after Thomas Tuchel became Chelsea boss.
Speaking on Vibe with Five, Ferdinand was discussing his personal team of the season.
There have been some fine individual performances from central defenders this campaign, most noticeably from the Manchester City pairing of Ruben Dias and John Stones.
Dias was named FWA Footballer of the Year, to round off an excellent debut term in England.
Harry Maguire also took his game up another level, until he suffered ligament damage in his ankle earlier this month.
Rio rates Rudiger
Although Rudiger didn’t make it into Ferdinand’s XI, the former United captain wanted to save a special mention for Chelsea’s German warrior.
He said: “I think Rudiger, since he’s been playing, has probably been second or third best centre-halves after Dias and maybe Stones, Maguire.
“He’s around the bottom of that group. He’s been brilliant since the new manager’s come in.”
Centurion from Rome
It’s true that since Tuchel arrived in January, Rudiger’s form has sky rocketed.
For whatever reason, Frank Lampard repeatedly overlooked the 28-year-old, to the extent some though he might depart Stamford Bridge.
Thankfully for Chelsea, Rudiger remained and rapidly rose back into contention with the new manager’s blessing.
The former Roma man is a timely reminder that traditional defending is still very welcomed in the modern game.
His desire to enter into battle is admirable, a special commodity in an era of elegancy and aesthetics.
Chelsea possibly wouldn’t have reached an FA Cup or Champions League final had Rudiger not risen from his ruins.
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