Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Antonio Rudiger has been the best defender in the Premier League under Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand had some words of advice for Frank Lampard, claiming he will learn quite a lot from his dismissal as the Chelsea manager. At the same time, the Manchester United legend had words of praise for Thomas Tuchel and how Antonio Rudiger has transformed under him.
Rudiger indeed has found a new lease of life ever since Tuchel took charge at Chelsea, having become a key figure at the back for Chelsea. In fact, such has been him impact that the German international has also been attracting plenty of interest from Real Madrid.
At the same time, Chelsea are in a precarious situation over the long-term future of the 28-year-old, who has entered the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, though, have opened talks with Rudiger’s representatives in order to tie him down to a renewal. Now, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has waxed lyrical about Rudiger.
Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel (h/t football.london), Ferdinand said, “Frank’s respectful and I think he’s honest enough to know and would say Tuchel has done an amazing job. But at the same time I’m sure Frank’s sitting there thinking, ‘well I didn’t see these certain players performing like this when I was there’.”
“But then it’s about Frank looking at himself, looking at his tenure there, did he approach things the right way. I’m sure he’s doing all this, he’s looking at, ‘Could I have handled this situation better, could I have handled that player better?’ That’s what Frank will be going through and he’ll be looking to make sure he rights the wrongs from his time at Chelsea.”
“But you can’t do anything but respect and pay homage to what Tuchel has done. Look at Rudiger, he’s arguably since Tuchel has been there [at Chelsea], been the best defender in the Premier League. Him or [Ruben] Dias in that time. He’s been unbelievable, he’s like an animal.”
Ferdinand indeed makes a valid point about Rudiger and how he has turned things around for himself at Chelsea ever since Tuchel replaced Lampard. However, with his upturn in fortunes, it is also now imperative for Chelsea to secure his long-term future. For now, the 28-year-old cannot do much wrong, with the Manchester United legend also a big fan of his work.
