Garth Crooks has praised Antonio Rudiger for his recent Chelsea performance, as he helped his side beat Newcastle United 2-0 at the weekend.
The Blues continued a decent start to the season with a comfortable victory at St James’ Park.
Rudiger, who cost Chelsea £29million (BBC) from Roma in 2017, made his first league appearance of the season as he came into the starting XI for resting teammate Thiago Silva.
The 27-year-old had only featured in two Champions League games before the weekend, but slotted in effortlessly next to Kurt Zouma in the heart of defence to help earn three points against Newcastle.
BBC pundit Crooks hailed and included the defender in his Premier League team of the week:
“Rudiger, back in the side, looked like he’d never been away against Newcastle and played his part in another clean sheet for the Blues. He may not be in Thiago’s Silva’s class but his commitment to the cause is unquestionable,” Crooks told BBC Sport.
Chelsea fans know that when Rudiger is switched on he can be a top defender with his pace, strength and reading of the game, it’s just he can be let down by lapses in concentration.
The Germany international is currently third-choice in the Blues pecking order at centre-back, but manager Frank Lampard will be forced to rotate moving forward during a busy schedule and he should have plenty of opportunities to impress.
It looks like he’s found a way back into the manager’s good books and perhaps there is still hope for his future at Stamford Bridge.
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