Former defender and current pundit Rio Ferdinand has weighed in with his verdict on the future of Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger.
The 28-year-old, who is out of contract with the Blues this summer, cost the side just £29million when he joined from Roma in 2017, with the Germany international reportedly looking to become one of the highest paid players at Stamford Bridge.
With talks rumoured to be at a standstill between both club and player, Ferdinand believes since the departure of Frank Lampard, Rudiger has been at the peak of his powers.
“Since Thomas Tuchel’s come in he’s been the best defender around,” Ferdinand said during the latest episode of his FIVE podcast series.
“Aggressive, dominates, demands from others. The crowd feed off the way he plays. I think he’s been tremendous.
“That element of a new contract has focused him as well… Whoever gets him for the next couple of years has got a great, solid player who I think the other players feed off.”
Another former player has also insisted Thomas Tuchel should look to tie down the soon-to-be free agent, with Rudiger seemingly running down his time at Stamford Bridge.
“There is some speculation Rudiger might still have contractual issues with Chelsea. If that is the case I suggest they solve them very quickly,” Gareth Crooks said in his BBC column.
“Stick him in say a Manchester United shirt for example, and suddenly they become a very attractive proposition.
“In plain language, Chelsea simply cannot afford to lose him – and certainly not to one of their rivals.”
