Rio Ferdinand thinks Thomas Tuchel's introduction as Chelsea boss has helped Antonio Rudiger evolve into one of the Premier League's best defenders.
Rudiger has been virtually ever-present since Tuchel took charge at Stamford Bridge, with the German centre-back falling out of favour under former boss Frank Lampard.
There were some real standout performers in the central defender department in the English top-flight throughout the 2020/21 campaign. Ruben Dias and John Stones helped inspire Manchester City to the title, while Harry Maguire also improved his game for Manchester United.
Ferdinand, when speaking on his Vibe with FIVE podcast on his YouTube channel, was discussing how impressed he's been with Rudiger recently - but the Blues man didn't quite make his personal team of the season.
“I think [Antonio] Rudiger, since he’s been playing, has probably been [the] second or third best centre-half after [Ruben] Dias and maybe [John] Stones, [Harry] Maguire," the former Manchester United defender said.
“He’s around the bottom of that group. He’s been brilliant since the new manager has come in.”
Despite missing out on Ferdinand's best XI, Garth Crooks did include the former Roma centre-back.
Speaking on his BBC Sport column, Crooks wrote: "His game might not be pretty, but it's extremely effective.
"Rudiger played in the FA Cup final and has seen Chelsea into the Champions League final as part of a team he didn't feature in at the start of the season.
"The Germany international had fallen out of favour with previous manager Frank Lampard, and Chelsea's defensive performances suffered as a consequence.
"Since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea and Rudiger haven't looked back.
"A record number of consecutive clean sheets for the Blues not only exposed Lampard's inexperience but highlighted Tuchel's astuteness.
"Rudiger is the best defender in the club and a fearsome competitor."
