Antonio Rudiger headed in the first goal in a 3-0 win against Leicester City, reigniting talks about his future with Chelsea. The German internationals contract ends at the close of the season, meaning that he'll be free to talk to other clubs in January.
Carefree Chelsea’s presenter and writer Daniel Child’s (DC) spoke with social producer Jai Mcintosh (JM) on Sunday afternoon’s Match Reaction show about the contract debacle that is currently ongoing...
DC: “I guess today (game against Leicester City) strengthens that argument over that debate and why there are questions of him getting that new contract. There’s another side of the argument and we’ve discussed that before.
“Of why Chelsea might be hesitant on just handing Rudiger all that money. Instinctively after the Leicester game, you think why is there all this debate. He’s been such a vital player under Thomas Tuchel.
“Go back and watch Rudiger’s goal against Leicester in 2020. It was a very similar goal. Due to Leicester set-piece problems, it hasn’t been resolved in two years - I just don’t understand it.
“He’s performing at such a high level and all the negotiating power is with him really. Chelsea doesn’t have the time to judge whether this form in 2021 is a sign of how Rudiger will be at the end of his career.
“Rudiger knows there will be clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich interested. But, Bayern Munich are the obvious one, with him returning to Germany. They will be after him and get the chance to have an informed defender.
“If not the best, one of the best defenders in the world currently. There’s also a character to Rudiger that Chelsea doesn’t have anywhere else. He’s trying to bite off Reece James head off for some reason.
“I don’t know why. I think you need a bit of Diego [Costa] in every Chelsea team. He and Thiago Silva are also such great leaders in this Chelsea team. They’re urging the team on. If you just look at Rudiger in terms of what he does on the ball.
“He’s always onto his other teammates, whether it’s a Ben Chilwell or constantly he’s one of the most vocal players in the team. Obviously, that’s so important in terms of leadership and the tangibles can sometimes be dismissed in the modern game.
“As I say he’s at the peak of his powers at the minute. Like many Chelsea players, he’s at the tip of the iceberg in terms of the praise you can give.
“I would keep Rudiger if Chelsea wants to continue to play that back three system. If Chelsea are committing to playing a back three system and that’s what we are doing then I would give him the contract.
“I think in this system he works wonderfully, it gets the most out of him. Obviously, Ben Chilwell is going to be a long term Chelsea player and alongside him, those two have such good chemistry.
“If not, that’s where my doubt comes in. We know what Chelsea are like. They will offer him a new contract and then they’ll have a new manager come through the door. Who will probably play a new system?
“That will not suit Rudiger anymore. From that perspective, you have to understand the club’s side of things. Also, where Chelsea could go into the market to improve that area.
“Bringing in younger players like Jules Kounde or handing a new contract to Trevoh Chalobah. Andreas Christensen obviously. So, I don’t think it’s a binary thing. There is no denying that Rudiger is astonishing at the minute.”
Would you offer Rudger the 200k reported wages he wants if in Marina Granovskaia shoes? Follow our Carefree Chelsea team members Daniel , Jai and Renuka on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
