⚽ **TRANSFERS: English Premier League 2017/18** ⚽
Versatile Defender
Player: Antonio Rudiger
Age: 24 years
Primary Position: Centre Back
Secondary Position(s): Right Back/Left Back
To: Chelsea FC
From: AS Roma
Transfer Fee: £34 Million
Report
Chelsea are looking to put in a fierce title defense this
season. Their signings this transfer window have all been defensive signings.
They recently announced their 2nd signing; German
centre back Antonio Rudiger from Roma. Rudiger’s signature comes as a surprise
to Chelsea’s well settled defensive unit. Although with his versatility, he will
now provide a different option for the squad.
Career Statistics
As a senior professional, Rudiger has played for 2 clubs;
Stuttgart and AS Roma. Beginning his career in Germany, he made 80 first team
appearances, scoring twice. At that moment, he started getting linked with a move
to the Premier League but no club ever made a move. He then signed for Italian
club Roma making 72 appearances scoring twice and adding 4 assists.
His best performances have come in a Germany shirt where he
starred in the Confederations Cup this year. He made 5 starts at centre back
helping Germany clinch the title. This finally caught the eye of PL giants
Chelsea and decided to sign him.
Chelsea defensively last season
The trio of Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Cahill was the best
defensive unit in the PL last season, making it their main reason for their PL
title success last season. In their 38 PL fixtures last season, they kept 16 clean
sheets, quiet impressive. This also included a run of 6 consecutive clean
sheets.
Rudiger’s best position
Rudiger is a strong, dominant, no nonsense defender who will
be a huge success for Chelsea’s future. His primary position is as a right centre
back and looks to continue in that role this season. Notably, he also features
as the first choice cover for Right back whenever necessary. Left back may be
his last option but only as an emergency one.
Who misses out
Chelsea may have the best centre backs in Europe, both young
and experienced. Their title winning trio Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Cahill
are all still present. Impressive youngster Andreas Christensen has also
returned back to the club. Now Rudiger’s arrival has given a defensive problem;
Chelsea may not know their best back 3 and other opponents may not guess the
back 3 they are going to face.
Chelsea’s potential back-line this season
Rudiger’s versatility will prove to be very useful for
manager Antonio Conte this season. His new career in England may take an
instant hit this season and he could prove a key player for Chelsea’s title
defense.
Wishing him all the best with his new club
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