Hoddle can’t believe how good £29m Chelsea man’s passing has got

Antonio Rudiger’s ability on the ball has certainly caught the eye of former Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle.

Speaking on BT Sport yesterday, Hoddle highlighted how well the German had worked on his passing craft in the past 12 months or so.

So many aspects of the defender’s game has seemingly developed since Thomas Tuchel took over in January.

He looks a more refined, reliable player than the model gifted to Frank Lampard.

For starters, the art of dribbling has come to the forefront of his CV.

Some things in life are certain: death, taxes and Rudiger making a mazy run up field each match.

The 28-year-old shooting accuracy is also on an upwards trajectory.

According to the Premier League website, the £29m (BBC) signing from Roma had seven shots on target throughout the whole of last season.

In 2021/22, he has already hit the target on six occasions.

But it is Rudiger’s enhancement in possession that’s impressed Hoddle most.

“He’s improved on the ball for me,” said the ex-Blues boss.

“He’s hitting passes I never thought he could see, let alone hit, but he’s doing it to aplomb. He’s doing it consistently!”

Direct, diagonal switches of play have become regular weapons in Rudiger’s armoury.

WhoScored.com have the German international down for making 68 long accurate passes in the top flight this term, the most of any Chelsea player.

He also leads the way for accurate short passes as well (892), beating fellow centre-back Thiago Silva in both categories.

Silva is in first place for clearances (46) and shots blocked (16), so the spoils have been shared pretty evenly.

Which makes the fact that both of Thomas Tuchel’s key centre-halves could leave next summer even more heart-breaking.

‘Never thought he could’: Glenn Hoddle can’t believe how much £29m Chelsea man’s passing has improved