Antonio Rudiger was the only Chelsea player to be honoured with a place in Garth Crooks’ BBC Premier League team of the season.
It took a while for Rudiger to get going, but once he was fully unleashed, the results were immense.
Frank Lampard largely overlooked the 28-year-old and it seemed increasingly like he was going to leave Chelsea.
Everything changed when Thomas Tuchel took over in January.
Rudiger was instantly reinstated to the side and remained there for the resulting months of the campaign.
The statistics also speak for themselves when it comes to the defender’s importance.
In the 19 league games Rudiger didn’t play, Chelsea conceded 26 goals.
In the 19 league games Rudiger did play, Chelsea conceded just ten goals.
Crooks choices Rudiger
“His game might not be pretty, but it’s extremely effective,” said Crooks when justifying the German’s TOTS addition.
“Rudiger played in the FA Cup final and has seen Chelsea into the Champions League final as part of a team he didn’t feature in at the start of the season.
“The Germany international had fallen out of favour with previous manager Frank Lampard, and Chelsea’s defensive performances suffered as a consequence.
“Since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea and Rudiger haven’t looked back.
“Rudiger is the best defender in the club and a fearsome competitor.”
Contract confusion
What Chelsea cannot afford to do is let Rudiger’s contract run out.
90min reported that talks had begun with the centre-back over a fresh deal, but nothing has moved forward since.
There is still the smaller matter of a Champions League final and the European Championship’s to contest before a decision over extensions can be finalised.
If fully fit, Rudiger will likely take part in both competitions before he commits his future to the Blues.
Chelsea are circling to sign a new centre-half, so they wouldn’t think twice about bringing someone else in if one of their own wants out.
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