With
Antonio Rudiger's long-term future at Chelsea uncertain, what would Thomas
Tuchel's side be losing were they to fail to extend his stay at the club?
The 28-year-old Germany international has entered the final six months of
his contract at Stamford Bridge, and Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain,
Real Madrid, and Juventus have been sniffing around a potential free
signing.
Rudiger has been one of the most influential players since Tuchel arrived in
west London and the passion he displays whenever he pulls on the blue shirt
has seen him emerge as a real fan favourite among Chelsea supporters.
Analysis of Rudiger's defensive and offensive output illustrates his
importance to Tuchel's Chelsea, and why failing to tie him down to fresh
terms, and losing him to a European rival for nothing, would be an
unthinkable prospect.
Rudiger was often overlooked during Frank Lampard's spell in charge of
Chelsea, but he's been brought back in from the cold since Tuchel's
appointment and is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
No defender at Chelsea has featured more in the Premier League under Tuchel
than Rudiger. He's racked up 3,150 minutes - over a thousand more than the
next best on the list.
In Tuchel's formative first 12 months at Chelsea, where he has experimented
with systems and personnel, the fact Rudiger has featured as frequently as
he has speaks volumes for his importance.
Why Rudiger is in demand
It's not often a player of Rudiger's calibre becomes available, let alone on
the enticing prospect of not having to weigh out a transfer fee.
He is 28 years old, in the prime of his career, and this next contract could
prove to be the last big one he signs as he enters the later years of his
career.
It would be an abdication of duty were the big European clubs linked with
Rudiger not to explore the opportunity to secure his services on a free, so
the interest should come as no surprise.
In addition to the opportunity of capitalising on Rudiger's contract
situation, he also brings unique qualities on the pitch, where his output is
not typical of your average centre-back.
Since Tuchel arrived at Chelsea, Rudiger's defensive action area is
concentrated down the left flank and features frequent drives into
opposition territory.
His presence in those areas gives Chelsea's wing-backs the licence to drift
forward or into midfield, a fundamental hallmark of Tuchel's success at the
club. Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso can roam forward safe in the knowledge
Rudiger has them covered.
Furthermore, a large proportion of Rudiger's defensive actions occur in the
middle third of the pitch, where only Jorginho has won possession more
times.
Rudiger ranks fifth among Premier League defenders for this metric, meaning
Chelsea often have an extra, combative body in midfield which allows
Tuchel's side to overpower teams.
Rudiger a catalyst at Chelsea
In addition to Rudiger's defensive prowess, he has played a crucial role
building play from the heart of the Chelsea defence over the past 12 months.
Whenever Chelsea may be struggling to break a team down, or things may have
quietened down inside Stamford Bridge, there are few greater catalysts than
a marauding run from the back by Rudiger.
Indeed, since Tuchel's appointment, no Chelsea player has carried the ball
further than Rudiger's total of 5.88km, while the centre-back has completed
more passes, more long passes, and had more touches than his team-mates.
Rudiger more than holds his own when his offensive output is compared to his
fellow Premier League centre-backs, with him ranking third for goals scored,
big chances scored, passes completed, forward passes and touches, and fourth
for shots on target since January 26, 2021.
Rudiger stats and presence on the field make a compelling argument that,
were he not to commit his future to the club, Chelsea wouldn't just be
losing a defender, but a player with a demonstrable ability to create from
deeper positions, and a key component to Tuchel's successful start to life
at Stamford Bridge.
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