Why Antonio Rudiger will be a great addition for Liverpool
According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Daily Express), Liverpool have been linked with a shock swoop for Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.
The report also claims that Rudiger is among a number of players Chelsea are willing to sell this summer in order to fund their summer transfer plans. The 27-year-old German, who joined Chelsea back in 2017, has had a difficult campaign this season. He suffered injuries and showed mixed form, and this saw him make just 20 league appearances.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are looking to bring in a new face at the back after conceding 54 goals from 38 league games, forcing the club authorities to sell Rudiger alongside fellow centre-backs Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen.
The Blues’ lapses at the back have seen them emerge as the side with the worst defensive record among the top-ten teams in the Premier League. That said, it is not a big surprise they are willing to offload Rudiger, who still has two years left in his Stamford Bridge contract.
However, it would be too harsh to judge Rudiger by his performances this season as he is a clearly experienced campaigner. He has made 115 appearances for the Blues in the past three years.
He is also a regular in the German national side and has played 30 matches for them since his debut in May 2014.
Rudiger can offer Liverpool more strength at the back
The Reds, meanwhile, are looking for a replacement for to bolster their backline after selling veteran centre-back Dejan Lovren to Zenit Saint-Petersburg recently. They already have three established defenders in Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip but a fourth option would be a great addition if they wish to defend their league title next season.
Van Dijk is an obvious choice at the back under manager Jurgen Klopp. However, Rudiger with his vast experience can offer competition to the likes of Matip and Gomez.
By all means, Rudiger’s arrival will only strengthen the Reds defence. Hence, they should rope in the Chelsea defender if they wish to stay as one of the best sides in Europe.
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Verdict
Lovren’s departure has left a void to be filled at the back for Liverpool next season and Rudiger, who has proved himself at the top level, would be a terrific addition. Moreover, he is still 27 and has plenty of football left in him.
