Last-ditch clearances, physically dominant and a taste of glory… why Chelsea and Manchester City want Antonio Rudiger
Roma defender helped Germany claim their first ever Confederations Cup by keeping a clean sheet against Chile
Sponsored by
CHELSEA and Manchester City target Antonio Rudiger proved why he is wanted by two Premier League giants after helping Germany to glory in the Confederations Cup.
The Roma defender - who is valued at £30million - showed his class in the early stages of the match after he pulled off a stunning last-ditch tackle in the 1-0 win.
The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Stuttgart before moving to Roma in 2015 and he is now set for a move to the Premier League.
Goal-line clearance
As previously mentioned, Rudiger had a terrific start to the final after he made a last-gasp tackle in the fifth minute to stop Charles Aranguiz to have a clear shot on goal.
And as Germany scored against the run of play, Chile piled the pressure on Germany while Rudiger and Co kept their opponents out.
Sanchez, Vidal and Vargas could not find a way through
Rudiger was tasked with keeping Arsenal talisman Alexis Sanchez quiet and he managed to keep him out for 90 minutes.
He also had to keep an eye on Bayern Munich star Arturo Vidal and striker Eduardo Vargas.
The defender was dominant in the air and also when the ball was at the Chileans' feet.
Capable of playing in a 3-4-3 system
If Rudiger is to seal a move to Stamford Bridge, he will be expected to slip seamlessly into Antonio Conte's defensive system.
Most read in football
Last season the Blues went on an incredible 13-game winning streak after changing to three at the back.
With John Terry leaving the club, Conte is keen on improving his defensive options ahead of the Blues' title defence.
And the Italian may be swayed into forking out £30m for the defender - because he knows he can already slot into his system.
Physicality to suit the Premier League
A lot of players - especially defenders - struggle to cut it in the Premier League due to the sheer brutal, bullying nature of England's top flight.
But at 6ft2in, Rudiger looks to have what it takes to more than hold his own in the top flight.
His last ditch tackle shows he has a significant amount of pace and he will also be an aerial threat for either City or Chelsea - both in attack and defence.
Cool head on the big stage
Rudiger proved he can handle the big occasion as he helped Germany to a clean sheet on the big occasion in a young national side.
This is the first major honour of his career, with his previous piece of silverware being the Fritz Walter Medal - a personal accolade.
The Fritz Walter Medal is a series of annual awards which are given out by the German Football Association and he was handed it as an U-19 player in 2012.
So this glory in the Confederations Cup will give him experience and also a taste of success he will no doubt be eager to replicate in England.