Chelsea and defender Ben Chilwell fear that his hamstring injury could keep him out for months. (Getty Images)
Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has admitted that it will be “difficult” for Chelsea to replace Antonio Rudiger, as per football.london. Rudiger left the club last month and joined Real Madrid on a free transfer.
The Blues were unable to retain their top defender and now are tasked with finding an adequate replacement for him. Chelsea have been linked with quite a few centre-backs over the last month, but are yet to announce a replacement.
Now Chelsea’s left-back Chilwell has opened up about the German’s departure. Chilwell missed most of the last season due to injury, so he could not partner up with Rudiger much. But he still retains high regard for his former teammate.
“Yeah, of course, he is going to be difficult to replace. Toni was one of the most influential players in the team last year, not just for his performances on the pitch, which were amazing week in, week out. Around the training ground, then dressing room before games making sure that everyone keeps their standards – I’ve only got good things to say about Toni.”
Rudiger had been a pivotal player for Chelsea ever since his arrival from AS Roma in 2017. The German international had a glorious career at Stamford Bridge, making a total of 202 appearances for the Blues in all competitions. The 29-year-old centre-back won the Champions League, Europa League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and the FA Cup in his illustrious five years at the club.
Now Thomas Tuchel has been tasked with finding a suitable replacement for the German. Not only this, but he also has to find another replacement for Rudiger’s partner Andreas Christensen, who has since joined Barcelona. Tuchel has a task ahead of him for next season and will be well aware of it.
The Blues are also linked with Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt, Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and Manchester City’s Nathan Ake. Tuchel and co have since opened talks with City for Ake, who left Chelsea in 2017 to join Bournemouth.
Ake could be considered a natural replacement for Rudiger. The left-footed centre-back could play in the left side of the back three, where Rudiger once played. Plus him having Premier League experience and having already played for Chelsea, it would take him considerably less time to adjust to familiar surroundings.
It remains to be seen who Chelsea sign to replace Rudiger. As for the Blues fans, they will miss the German next season, especially him driving the ball forward during the matches.
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