“Very difficult to replace”- Ben Chilwell gives his verdict on shocking Chelsea star summer exit
Ben Chilwell acknowledges that replacing Antonio Rudiger will be challenging for Chelsea.
According to football london, Ben Chilwell acknowledged that it will be “tough” for Chelsea to replace Antonio Rudiger. Rudiger departed the team last month and transferred for free to Real Madrid.
The Blues now have the difficult problem of finding a suitable replacement for their top defender, who they were unable to keep. Over the past month, a number of center backs have been linked to Chelsea, but no replacement has been named.
However, Chilwell, a left defender for Chelsea, has now spoken out about the German’s leaving. Due to injuries, Chilwell missed the majority of the previous season and had little opportunity to work with Rudiger. However, he continues to have respect for his former teammates.
“Yeah, of course, he is going to be difficult to replace. Toni was one of the most influential players in the team last year, not just for his performances on the pitch, which were amazing week in, week out. Around the training ground, then dressing room before games making sure that everyone keeps their standards – I’ve only got good things to say about Toni.”
Since his transfer from AS Roma to Chelsea in 2017, Rudiger has been an essential member of the team. The German international played 202 times across all competitions for the Blues during his illustrious career at Stamford Bridge. In his remarkable five years at the club, the 29-year-old center back won the FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, Champions League, and Europa League.