“Don’t know why Lampard does not like him, He stood out against Liverpool and he’s one of those leaders with authority”
Following 1-1 draw against Liverpool, Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has hailed the performance of Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger against Liverpool.
Murphy told Daily Mail: “It’s never easy for a defence to hold out against an extra man, even in training, so Chelsea’s second half performance was textbook to leave Anfield with a point.
“The midfield pair of Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho were good, Andreas Christensen is improving all the time and Thiago Silva has won it all.
“But the player who stood out most was Antonio Rudiger who is one of those leaders with authority every successful team needs.
“Rudiger rarely has a bad game, puts himself about and communicates with his team-mates all the time. And importantly he’s first in to back his pals when it kicks off. They know they can rely on him.
“I don’t know why he wasn’t used more often by Frank Lampard, it can happen between a manager and player, but it didn’t surprise me one of the first changes Tuchel made was to bring him back in. The system with three at the back helps him as well because he has more cover.
“He’s what I call a proper defender, like Giorgio Chiellini. Other defenders like John Stones enjoy spraying the ball out. Rudiger can pass it but I don’t think he’s bothered. He prefers the rough and ready stuff.
“I know from my own career every team likes a couple of warriors who will fight your corner.
“When Edouard Mendy and Henderson clashed after the penalty, of course Rudiger was involved. Jamie Carragher used to do that at Liverpool. It’s an important part of being in a team.”